Therapeutic compounds for inhibiting interleukin-12 signaling and methods for using same

ABSTRACT

Novel heterocyclic compounds having a six membered ring structure fused to a five membered ring structure are found to be useful for the treatment and prevention of symptoms or manifestations associated with disorders affected by Interleukin-12 (“IL-12”) intracellular signaling, such as, for example, Th1 cell-mediated disorders. The therapeutic compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives (e.g., resolved enantiomers, diastereomers, tautomers, salts and solvates thereof) or prodrugs thereof, have the following general formula:  
                 
 
     Each X, Y and Z are independently selected from a member of the group consisting of C(R 3 ), N,N(R 3 ) and S. Each R 1 , R 2  and R 3  is substituted or unsubstituted and is independently selected from a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, oxo, C (1-20) alkyl, C (1-20) hydroxyalkyl, C (1-20) thioalkyl, C (1-20) alkylamino, C (1-20) alkylaminoalkyl, C (1-20) aminoalkyl, C (1-20) aminoalkoxyalkenyl, C (1-20) aminoalkoxyalkynyl, C (1-20) diaminoalkyl, C (1-20) triaminoalkyl, C (1-20) tetraminoalkyl, C (5-15) aminotrialkoxyamino, C (1-20) alkylamido, C (1-20) alkylamidoalkyl, C (1-20) amidoalkyl, C (1-20) acetamidoalkyl, C (1-20) alkenyl, C (1-20) alkynyl, C (3-8) alkoxyl, C (1-11) alkoxyalkyl, and C (1-20) dialkoxyalkyl.

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/008,020, which was filed Jan. 16, 1998, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to novel therapeutic compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, methods for preparing such compounds and methods for using these compounds, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment and prevention of symptoms or manifestations (e.g., inflammation) associated with disorders affected by Interleukin-12 (“L-12”) intracellular signaling, such as, for example, Th1 cell-mediated disorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inflammatory responses are a component of the pathogenesis of many vertebrate disorders/diseases, including those in humans. In its broadest meaning, the term “inflammation” denotes local as well as systemic responses. Increased blood flow, vasodilation, fluid transudation from the vessels, infiltration of the tissues by leukocytes and, in some severe cases, intravascular thrombosis, damage to the blood vessels and extravasation of blood characterize local inflammation. The systemic inflammatory response, also denoted as an acute phase response, is characterized by various reactions including, for example, fever, leukocytosis and release of acute phase reactants into the serum. In severe cases, shock and death may occur. See Heremans et al., Lymphokine Research 8(3): 329-333 (1989). Diseases involving inflammation are particularly harmful when they afflict the respiratory system, resulting in obstructed breathing, hypoxemia, hypercapnia and lung tissue damage. Obstructive diseases of the airways are characterized by airflow limitation (i.e., airflow obstruction or narrowing) due to constriction of airway smooth muscle, edema and hypersecretion of mucous leading to increased work in breathing, dyspnea, hypoxemia and hypercapnia. While the mechanical properties of the lungs during obstructed breathing are shared between different types of obstructive airway diseases, the pathophysiology can differ.

The inflammatory response is believed to be controlled by a variety of cellular events characterized by the influx of certain cell types and mediators, the presence of which can lead to tissue damage and sometimes death. For example, cytokines are primary factors in the biochemical cascade of events that regulate inflammatory responses. Some cytokines induce or release other known mediators of inflammation. These systems are controlled by related feedback mechanisms. Thus, it is believed that inflammatory responses are not a result of a single cytokine being released in large quantities, but rather to a set of cytokines collectively acting via a network of intercellular signals to incite the inflammatory response.

One particular cytokine, IL-12, also referred to as natural killer cell stimulatory factor (“NKSF”) or cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor (“CLMF”), is a potent immunoregulatory molecule that plays a role in a wide range of diseases. In particular, IL-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine that is produced by phagocytic cells, e.g., monocytes/macrophages, B-cells and other antigen-presenting cells (“APC”) and is believed to act as a proinflammatory cytokine. IL-12 is believed to play a specific role in diseases exhibiting an inflammatory component, namely, diseases that exhibit cell-mediated inflammatory responses, such as, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, etc.

IL-12 affects both natural killer cells (“NK cells”) and T-lymphocytes (“T cells”), and stimulates IFN-γ production by both of these cell types. For example, in NK cells, IL-12 stimulates: NK cell proliferation, membrane surface antigen up-regulation, LAK cell generation and NK cell activity elevation; induces IFN-γ and TNF-α production and the growth and expansion of either resting or activated NK cells; and increases soluble p55 and soluble p75 TNF receptor production and NK cell cytotoxicity. See R&D Systems Catalog, pp. 67-69 (1995). T cells recognize antigens via interaction of a heterodimeric (alpha/beta, or gamma/delta) receptor with short peptide antigenic determinants that are associated with major histocompatibility complex (“MHC”) molecules. T cells can be divided broadly into two functional categories by the presence of two mutually exclusive antigens on their cell surface, CD4 (helper) and CD8 (cytotoxic). The CD4 and CD8 antigens regulate T cell interaction with MHC and their mutually exclusive expression derives from their strict specificity for MHC. Class II MHC-restricted T cells are primarily CD4+ and class I MHC-restricted T cells are CD8+. The T cells further differentiate into helper, cytotoxic and suppressor cells.

As mentioned above, EL-12 also affects T cells, including stimulation of T cell IFN-γ production in response to antigen. While CD8+ T cells are associated with cytotoxicity functions, CD4+ T cells are associated with helper function and secrete various cytokines that regulate and modulate immune responses. CD4+ T cells can be further subdivided into T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) subsets, according to the profile of cytokines they secrete. Therefore, Th1 cells produce predominantly inflammatory cytokines, including IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ, while Th2 cells produce anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 that are linked to B cell growth and differentiation.

The Th1 and Th2 CD4+ T cell subsets are derived from a common progenitor cell, termed Th0 cells. During an initial encounter with an antigen, the differentiation into Th1 and Th2 is controlled by the opposing actions of two key cytokines, namely IL-12 and IL-4, which induce the differentiation of Th0 into Th1 and Th2, respectively. The development of Th1 and Th2 cells is primarily influenced by the cytokine milieu during the initial phase of the immune response, in which IL-12 and IL-4, respectively, play decisive roles. The cytokines produced by each Th-cell phenotype are inhibitory for the opposing phenotype. For example, Th1 cytokines enhance cell-mediated immunities and inhibit humoral immunity. Th2 cytokines enhance humoral immunity and inhibit cell-mediated immunities. Trembleau et. al., See Immunology Today 16(8): 383-386 (1995).

Furthermore, CD4+ Th1 cells play a role in the pathogenesis of immunological disorders. These cells primarily secrete cytokines associated with inflammation such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-β and IL-2. IFN-γ is an important component of the inflammatory response and resultant pathology of those diseases exhibiting an inflammatory response. Heremans, et al. In addition to its role in inflammatory response, IFN-γ also contributes to phagocytic cell activation (i.e., macrophage activation), and up-regulation of MHC expression on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (“APC”) and other cells. Further, this cytokine is implicated generally in inflammatory immune responses, and in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (“MS”), specifically. See Owens et al., Neurologic Clinics, 13(1):51-73 (1995). Furthermore, steroid treatment broadly attenuates cytokine production, but it cannot modulate it selectively, e.g., just the Th0, the Th1 or the Th2 pathways.

IL-12 plays a role in the induction of Th1-cell-mediated autoimmunity. Recent evidence points to a critical role for IL-12 in the pathogenesis of rodent models of Th 1-mediated autoimmune diseases such as type-I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and acute graft-versus-host disease. Thus, Th1 cells are believed to be involved in the induction of experimental autoimmune diseases, as demonstrated in adoptive transfer experiments demonstrating the CD4+cells producing Th 1-type lymphokines can transfer disease, as shown in models of experimental autoimmune disease, such as experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (“EAE”) (also known as experimental allergic encephalitis) and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (“IDDM”). See Trinchieri, Annu. Rev. Immunol 13(1):251-276 (1995). For instance, EAE is an inflammatory T cell mediated, paralytic, demyelinating, autoimmune disease that can be induced in a number of rodents as well as primates. Owens et al. One of the ways that EAE can be induced is by immunization of animals with myelin basic protein (“MBP”). Likewise, administration of IL-12 induces rapid onset of IDDM in 100% of NOD female mice. Trinchieri. Thus, one goal of immunotherapy research and development efforts has been to limit inflammatory response while leaving the specificity of the immune system, deemed necessary for host protection, in tact.

For example, steroid therapy is the most common treatment for one such IL-12 mediated disease, MS, particularly, corticosteroids. This suggests that steroids alter the trafficking of cells into the brain or reduce the secretion of cytokines by inflammatory cells in areas of inflammation. Although their effect in reversing some of the acute symptoms of autoimmune disease, such as MS, are well known, their side effects have precluded long-term use.

Other treatments that target immune system components include lymphocyte cytotoxic drugs such as cyclophosphamide and azathioprine. These drugs act like “sledgehammers” in that they suppress the entire immune system and raise problems that attend broad-spectrum immunosuppression therapies. The same problems also are likely with newer therapies such as cyclosporine, anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies, and others. Other treatments for IL-12 mediated diseases, including MS, can involve the administration of anti-IL-12 antagonists such as antibodies. Anti-IL-12 antibodies have been shown to inhibit the development of IDDM and EAE. See Trinichieri. However, antibody based immunotherapy may result in immune complex formation and deposition, thus leading to glomerulonephritis, vasculitis and arthritis.

Moreover, symptomatic treatment with beta-agonists, anticholinergic agents and methyl xanthines have been clinically beneficial for the relief of discomfort but fail to stop the underlying inflammatory processes that cause the disease. The frequently used systemic glucocorticosteroids have numerous side effects, including, but not limited to, weight gain, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, cataracts, atherosclerosis, increased susceptibility to infection, increased lipids and cholesterol, and easy bruising. Aerosolized glucocorticosteroids have fewer side effects but can be less potent and have side effects, such as thrush.

The use of anti-inflammatory and symptomatic relief reagents is a serious problem because of their side effects or their failure to attack the underlying cause of an inflammatory response. Other anti-inflammatory agents, such as cromolyn and nedocromil are much less potent and have fewer side effects. Anti-inflammatory agents that are primarily used as immunosuppressive agents and anti-cancer agents (i.e., cytoxan, methotrexate and Immuran) have also been used to treat inflammation. These agents, however, have serious side effect potential, including, but not limited to, increased susceptibility to infection, liver toxicity, drug-induced lung disease, and bone marrow suppression. Thus, such drugs have found limited clinical use, for example, in the treatment of most airway hyperresponsiveness lung diseases.

Accordingly, there remains a need for novel therapeutic compounds and methods that inhibit the deleterious effects of inflammatory responses mediated by specific cytokines, such as IL-12, without adversely affecting the other components of the immune system that are deemed necessary for protecting the host and without the attendant disadvantages of conventionally available compounds and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide novel therapeutic compounds, including pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods useful for inhibiting IL-12 signaling in a mammal having, for example, an inflammatory response.

It is another object of the present invention to provide novel therapeutic compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods that are capable of limiting the inflammatory response of a subject without adversely affecting the specificity of the immune system deemed necessary for protecting the subject.

The above and other objects are accomplished by a compound, pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives (e.g., racemic mixtures, resolved enantiomers, diastereomers, tautomers, salts and solvates thereof) or prodrugs thereof, having the following Formula I:

-   -   wherein:     -   the dashed lines, i.e., “         ”, in Formula I represent either a single or double bond;     -   X, Y and Z are independently selected from a member of the group         consisting of C(R₃), N,N(R₃) and S;     -   R₁ is selected from a member of the group consisting of         hydrogen, methyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkenyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkynyl,         C₍₅₋₉₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₃₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkoxyalkyl; and     -   R₂ and R₃ are independently selected from a member of the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, oxo (keto), C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎thioalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamino,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylaminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkoxyalkenyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkoxyalkynyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎diaminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎triaminoalkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎tetraminoalkyl, C₍₅₋₁₅₎aminotrialkoxyamino,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamido, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamidoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎amidoalkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎acetamidoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkenyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkynyl,         C₍₃₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₁₋₁₁₎alkoxyalkyl, and C₍₁₋₂₀₎dialkoxyalkyl.

R₁ is optionally substituted with a member of the group consisting of N—OH, cyano (e.g., NC—), cyanamido (e.g., NCNH—), cyanato (e.g., NCO—), sulfo, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, sulfhydryl (mercapto), sulfeno, sulfanilyl, sulfamyl, sulfamino, and phosphino, phosphinyl, phospho, phosphono.

Each R₂ and R₃ is optionally substituted with one or more members of the group consisting of hydroxyl, methyl, carboxyl, furyl, furfuryl, biotinyl, phenyl, naphthyl, amino group (e.g., —NH₂), amido group (e.g., —C(═O)N—), carbamoyl group (e.g., H₂NCO—), cyano (e.g., NC—), cyanamido (e.g., NCNH—), cyanato (e.g., NCO—), sulfo, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, sulfhydryl (mercapto), sulfeno, sulfanilyl, sulfamyl, sulfamino, phosphino, phosphinyl, phospho, phosphono, N—OH, —Si(CH₃)₃, C₍₁₋₃₎alkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎thioalkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎alkylamino, benzyldihydrocinnamoyl group, benzoyldihydrocinnamido group, heterocyclic group and carbocyclic group.

The heterocyclic group or carbocyclic group is optionally substituted with one or more members of the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, nitro (e.g., —NO₂), SO₂NH₂, C₍₁₋₆₎alkyl, C₍₁₋₆₎haloalkyl, C₍₁₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₁₋₁₁₎alkoxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₆₎alkylamino, and C₍₁₋₆₎aminoalkyl.

Preferably, both X and Y are not N(R₃) when Z is C(R₃) and R₃ is H or C₍₁₋₃₎alkyl.

More preferably, R₁ is not an ω-1 secondary alcohol substituted C₍₅₋₈₎alkyl when both X and Y are N(R₃), Z is C(R₃) and R₃ is H or C₍₁₋₃₎alkyl.

In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for inhibiting a cellular process or activity mediated by IL-12, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) contacting IL-12 responsive cells with a compound of the         present invention, as described herein; and     -   (b) determining that the cellular process or activity mediated         by IL-12 is inhibited.

In a still further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a Th1 cell-mediated inflammatory response in a mammal in need of such treatment, the method comprising:

-   -   administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount         of the compound of the present invention, wherein said compound         is capable of inhibiting an IL-12 mediated cellular process or         activity, thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response.

In accomplishing the above and other objects, the present invention provides novel therapeutic compounds and methods for affecting, inter alia, the inflammatory response associated with Th1 cell-mediated diseases, without affecting the other components of the immune system that are deemed necessary for host protection. The compounds and methods of the present invention are characterized by their ability to inhibit EL-12 signaling. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the therapeutic compounds of the present invention short-circuit the inflammatory cascade by inhibiting IL-12-dependent Th1 development, emphasizing the present invention's importance in disease therapy by inhibiting IL-12 signaling in the regulation of Th1-mediated inflammatory disorders. Inhibition of IL-12 signaling decreases the production of IFN-γ, thus mitigating the inflammatory response in disease conditions mediated by Th1 cells. Specifically, the present invention may impede signaling that induces differentiation of T cells to Th1 cells. In general, differentiated Th1 cells produce high levels of IFN-γ, which provokes inflammation, a component of many disease conditions that the inventive compounds and methods target.

The present invention achieves the above and other objects by, inter alia, providing novel therapeutic compounds and methods for treating or preventing IL-12 or Th1 mediated symptoms (e.g. inflammation) of diseases that include, without limitation, (1) inflammatory diseases or disorders, such as, for example, arthritis, asthma, chronic inflammatory diseases, chronic intestinal inflammation, psoriasis, septic shock, septicemia, and adult respiratory distress syndrome; (2) autoimmune diseases or disorders, such as, for example, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, autoimmune gastritis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune neutropenia, chronic active hepatitis, chronic thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis), lupus disorders (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus), multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, thrombocytopenia, thyroid diseases (e.g., Graves' and Hashimoto's disease), type-1-IDDM, and uveitis; and (3) neurodegenerative diseases such as, for example, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and primary lateral sclerosis. The compounds of the present invention may be employed in any suitable conventional manner for the treatment of the above diseases. Such methods of treatment, their dosage levels and requirements may be selected by those of skill in the art from available methods and techniques that are further described below, that are known in the art or that are readily determinable using routine experimentation.

The compounds of the present invention will also be useful for inhibiting EL-12 mediated signaling in other applications such as in vitro systems and in vivo animal models of IL-12 mediated diseases. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses a kit comprising a compound of the present invention, as described herein, for use in such applications.

Additional aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be set forth, in part, in the description that follows, or may be learned from practicing or using the present invention. The objects and advantages may be realized and attained by means of the features and combinations particularly pointed out throughout this description and the appended claims. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not to be viewed as being restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing, which is incorporated in and constitutes a part of the specification, illustrates an embodiment of the present invention and, together with the description, serves to exemplify the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows the ability of (R)-3-(6-biotinylamidohexyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT 12460) and (R)-3-(6-biotinylamidoethyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT 13410) to interfere with IL-12 signaling in an IL-12 induced IFN-γ secretion assay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

All patents, patent applications and publications cited in this description are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the case of inconsistencies, the present disclosure, including definitions, will prevail.

The present invention relates to a new class of heterocyclic compounds having a six membered ring structure fused to a five membered ring structure. In particular, the present invention provides a compound, pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives (e.g., racemic mixtures, resolved enantiomers, diastereomers, tautomers, salts and solvates thereof) or prodrugs thereof, having the following Formula I:

-   -   wherein:     -   the dashed lines, i.e., “         ”, in Formula I represent a single or double bond;     -   X, Y and Z are independently selected from a member of the group         consisting of C(R₃), N,N(R₃) and S;     -   R₁ is selected from a member of the group consisting of         hydrogen, methyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkenyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkynyl,         C₍₅₋₉₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₃₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkoxyalkyl; and     -   R₂ and R₃ are independently selected from a member of the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, oxo, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎thioalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamino,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylaminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkoxyalkenyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkoxyalkynyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎diaminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎triaminoalkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎tetraminoalkyl, C₍₅₋₁₅₎aminotrialkoxyamino,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamido, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamidoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎amidoalkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎acetamidoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkenyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkynyl,         C₍₃₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₁₋₁₁₎alkoxyalkyl, and C₍₁₋₂₀₎dialkoxyalkyl.

R₁ is optionally substituted with a member selected from the group consisting of N—OH, cyano (e.g., NC—), cyanamido (e.g., NCNH—), cyanato (e.g., NCO—), sulfo, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, sulfhydryl (mercapto), sulfeno, sulfanilyl, sulfamyl, sulfamino, and phosphino, phosphinyl, phospho, phosphono.

Each R₂ and R₃ is optionally substituted with one or more members of the group consisting of hydroxyl, methyl, carboxyl, furyl, furfuryl, biotinyl, phenyl, naphthyl, amino group, amido group, carbamoyl group, cyano (e.g., NC—), cyanamido (e.g., NCNH—), cyanato (e.g., NCO—), sulfo, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, sulfhydryl (mercapto), sulfeno, sulfanilyl, sulfamyl, sulfamino, phosphino, phosphinyl, phospho, phosphono, N—OH, —Si(CH₃)₃ (a.k.a. SiMe₃), C₍₁₋₃₎alkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎thioalkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎alkylamino, benzyldihydrocinnamoyl group, benzoyldihydrocinnamido group, heterocyclic group and carbocyclic group.

The heterocyclic group or carbocyclic group is optionally substituted with one or more members of the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, nitro (e.g., —NO₂), SO₂NH2, C₍₁₋₆₎alkyl, C₍₁₋₆₎haloalkyl, C₍₁₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₁₋₁₁₎alkoxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₆₎alkylamino, and C₍₁₋₆₎aminoalkyl.

Preferably, both X and Y are not N(R₃) when Z is C(R₃) and R₃ is H or C₍₁₋₃₎alkyl.

More preferably, R₁ is not an ω-1 secondary alcohol substituted C₍₅₋₈₎alkyl when both X and Y are N(R₃), Z is C(R₃) and R₃ is H or C₍₁₋₃₎alkyl.

In a another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a therapeutic compound, pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives (e.g., racemic mixtures, resolved enantiomers, diastereomers, tautomers, salts and solvates thereof) or prodrugs thereof, having the following Formula II:

-   -   wherein R₄, R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from a member         of the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, oxo, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎thioalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamino,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylaminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkoxyalkenyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkoxyalkynyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎diaminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎triaminoalkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎tetraminoalkyl, C₍₃₋₅₎aminodialkoxyamino,         C₍₅₋₁₅₎aminotrialkoxyamino, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamido,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamidoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎amidoalkyl,         C₍₁₋₂₀₎acetamidoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkenyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkynyl,         C₍₃₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₁₋₁₁₎alkoxyalkyl, and C₍₁₋₂₀₎dialkoxyalkyl.

Each R₄, R₅ and R₆ is optionally substituted with one or more members of the group consisting of hydroxyl, methyl, carboxyl, furyl, furfuryl, biotinyl, phenyl, naphthyl, amino group, amido group, carbamoyl group, cyano (e.g., NC—), cyanamido (e.g., NCNH—), cyanato (e.g., NCO—), sulfo, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, sulfhydryl (mercapto), sulfeno, sulfanilyl, sulfamyl, sulfamino, phosphino, phosphinyl, phospho, phosphono, N—OH, —Si(CH₃)₃, C₍₁₋₃₎alkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎thioalkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎alkylamino, benzyldihydrocinnamoyl group, benzoyldihydrocinnamido group, heterocyclic group and carbocyclic group.

The heterocyclic group or carbocyclic group is optionally substituted with one or more members of the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, nitro (e.g., —NO₂), SO₂NH₂, C₍₁₋₆₎alkyl, C₍₁₋₆₎haloalkyl, C₍₁₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₁₋₁₁₎alkoxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₆₎alkylamino, and C₍₁₋₆₎aminoalkyl. In a preferred embodiment, each R₄, R₅ and R₆ are not simultaneously methyl.

In a preferred embodiment, both R₄ and R₅ are not methyl when R₆ is H.

In another preferred embodiment, R₆ is not methyl when R₄ is methylfuryl and R₅ is H.

In a further preferred embodiment, R₆ is not propyl or isopropyl when R₄ is methyl and R₅ is H.

In a still further preferred embodiment, R₄ is not acetamidohexyl when R₅ is methyl and R₆ is H.

Suitable examples of R₂, and R₃ groups of Formula I and R₄, R₅ and R₆ groups of Formula II include, without limitation, members selected from the group consisting of 1-adamantanemethyl, 1-phenylcyclopropyl, 1-phenylproply, 1-propenyl, 2-bromopropyl, 2-buten-2-yl, 2-butyl, 2-cyclohexylethyl, 2-cyclopentylethyl, 2-furyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxystyryl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methoxystyryl, 2-methylbutyl, 2-methylcyclopropyl, 2-norboranemethyl, 2-phenylpropyl, 2-propenyl, 2-propyl, 2-thienyl, 2-trifluoromethylstyryl, 3,4,5-triethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dichlorobenzyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,4-difluorobenzyl, 3,4-dihydroxybenzyl, 3,4-dihydroxystyryl, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxystyryl, 3,4-dimethylphenyl, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-benzyl, 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 3-bromo-4-methylphenyl, 3-bromobenzyl, 3-cyclohexylpropyl, 3-dimethylaminobutyl, 3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl, 3-fluorobenzyl, 3-hepten-3-yl, 3-hydroxy-n-butyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 3-iodo-4-methylphenyl, 3-methoxy-4-methylphenyl, 3-methoxybenzyl, 3-methylbenzyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 3-trifluoromethylbenzyl, 4′-ethyl-4-biphenyl, 4-biphenyl, 4-bromobenzyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-butylphenyl, 4-chloropentyl, 4-chlorostyryl, 4-ethoxybenzyl, 4-fluorobenzyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-isobutylphenethyl, 4-isopropylphenyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, 4-methoxy-n-butyl, 4-methylbenzyl, 4-methylcyclohexanemethyl, 4-methylcyclohexyl, 4-phenylbenzyl, 4-t-butylcyclohexyl, 4-vinylphenyl, 5-hydroxyhexyl, alpha-methylstyryl, benzyl, cyclobutyl, cycloheptyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylmethyl, cyclopentyl, ethyl, hexyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, isovaleryl, m-anisyl, methyl, m-tolyl, n-butyl, n-propyl, p-anisyl, phenethyl, phenyl, propyl, p-tolyl, styryl, t-butyl, and the like.

Preferred R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ groups include, without limitation, members selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, oxo, isopropyl, n-propyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxy-n-butyl, 2methoxyethyl, 4-methoxy-n-butyl, 5-hydroxyhexyl, 2-bromopropyl, 3-dimethylaminobutyl, 4-chloropentyl, methylamino, aminomethyl, methylphenyl, and the like.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the novel therapeutic compounds disclosed herein may contain one or more asymmetrically substituted carbon atoms and, thus, may occur as racemates and racemic mixtures, single enantiomers, diastereomeric mixtures and individual diastereomers. Each stereogenic carbon may be of the R or S configuration. Many geometric isomers of olefins, C—N double bonds, and the like can also be present in the compounds described herein, and all such stable isomers are contemplated in the present invention. It is well known in the art how to prepare optically active forms, such as by resolution of racemic forms or by synthesis from optically active starting materials. All chiral, diastereomeric, racemic forms and all geometric forms of a structure are intended to be encompassed within the present invention unless a specific stereochemistry or isomer form is specifically indicated.

The compounds of the present invention may be modified by appending appropriate functionalites to enhance selective biological properties. Such modifications are known in the art and include, without limitation, those which increase penetration into a given biological compartment (e.g., blood, lymphatic system, central nervous system), increase oral or intravenous bioavailability, increase solubility to allow administration by injection, alter metabolism, alter rate of excretion, etc.

Definitions

The term “stable compound”, as used herein, is a compound that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation to a useful degree of purity from a reaction mixture, and formulation into an efficacious therapeutic agent, i.e., possesses stability that is sufficient to allow manufacture and that maintains the integrity of the compound for a sufficient period of time to be useful for the purposes detailed herein (e.g., therapeutic or prophylactic administration to a mammal or for use in affinity chromatography applications). Typically, such compounds are stable at a temperature of 40° C. or less, in the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive conditions, for at least a week.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes, without limitation, instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not. For example, optionally substituted alkyl means that alkyl may or may not be substituted by those groups enumerated in the definition of substituted alkyl.

The term “substituted”, as used herein, whether express or implied and whether preceded by the term “optionally” or not, means that any one or more hydrogen on the designated atom (C, N, etc.) is replaced with a selection from the indicated group, provided that the designated atom's normal valency is not exceeded, and that the substitution results in a stable compound. For instance, when a CH₂ is substituted by a keto substituent (═O), then 2 hydrogens on the atom are replaced. It should be noted that when a substituent is listed without indicating the atom via which such substituent is bonded, then such substituent may be bonded via any atom in such substituent. For example, when the substituent is piperazinyl, piperidinyl, or tetrazolyl, unless specified otherwise, said piperazinyl, piperidinyl, tetrazolyl group may be bonded to the rest of the compound of Formula I or II, as well as the R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ groups substituted thereon, via any atom in such piperazinyl, piperidinyl, tetrazolyl group. Combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds. Further, when more than one position in a given structure may be substituted with a substituent selected from a specified group, the substituents may be either the same or different at every position. Typically, when a structure may be optionally substituted, 0-15 substitutions are preferred, 0-5 substitutions are more preferred, and 0-1 substitution is most preferred.

As used herein, “alkyl” is intended to include both branched and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having the specified number of carbon atoms. In particular, “alkyl” refers to a monoradical branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon chain, preferably having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, even more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, secondary butyl, tert-butyl, n-hexyl, n-octyl, n-decyl, n-dodecyl, 2-ethyldodecyl, tetradecyl, and the like, unless otherwise indicated.

The term “substituted alkyl” refers to an alkyl group as defined above having from 1 to 5 substituents selected, without limitation, from the group consisting of alkoxyl, substituted alkoxyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxyl, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxyl, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxyl, thioheteroaryloxyl, thioheterocyclooxyl, thiol, thioalkoxyl, substituted thioalkoxyl, aryl, aryloxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxyl, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, —SO-alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —SO₂-heteroaryl, and —NR^(a)R^(b), wherein R^(a) and R^(b) may be the same or different and are chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.

The term “alkylene” refers to a diradical of a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon chain, preferably having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, even more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as methylene (—CH₂—), ethylene (—CH₂CH₂—), the propylene isomers (e.g.—CH₂CH₂CH₂— and —CH(CH₃)CH₂—), and the like.

The term “substituted alkylene” refers to:

-   -   (1) an alkylene group as defined above having from 1 to 5         substituents selected from a member of the group consisting of         alkoxyl, substituted alkoxyl, cycloalkyl, substituted         cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl,         acylamino, acyloxyl, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxyl, oxyacylamino,         azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl,         carboxylalkyl, thiol, thioalkoxyl, substituted thioalkoxyl,         aryl, aryloxyl, thioaryloxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxyl,         thioheteroaryloxyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxyl,         thioheterocyclooxyl, nitro, and —NR^(a)R^(b), wherein R^(a) and         R^(b) may be the-same or different and are chosen from hydrogen,         optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl,         alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic. Additionally, such         substituted alkylene groups include, without limitation, those         where 2 substituents on the alkylene group are fused to form one         or more cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl,         substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heterocyclic or heteroaryl         groups fused to the alkylene group;     -   (2) an alkylene group as defined above that is interrupted by         1-20 atoms independently chosen from oxygen, sulfur and NR^(a)-,         where R^(a) is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted         alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl,         alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic, or groups selected         from carbonyl, carboxyester, carboxyamide and sulfonyl; or     -   (3) an alkylene group as defined above that has both from 1 to 5         substituents as defined above and is also interrupted by 1 to 20         atoms as defined above. Examples of substituted alkylenes are         chloromethylene (—CH(C1)—), aminoethylene (—CH(NH₂)CH₂—),         2-carboxypropylene isomers (—CH₂CH(CO₂H)CH₂—), ethoxyethyl         (—CH₂CH₂O—CH₂CH₂—), ethylmethylaminoethyl         (—CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—), 1-ethoxy-2-(2-ethoxy-ethoxy)ethane         (—CH₂CH₂O—CH₂CH₂—OCH₂CH₂—OCH₂CH₂—), and the like.

“Halo” or “halogen” as used herein refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo; and “counterion” is used to represent a small, negatively charged species such as chloride, bromide, hydroxide, acetate, sulfate and the like.

“Haloalkyl” is intended to include both branched and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having the specified number of carbon atoms, substituted with 1 or more halogen.

“Alkoxyl” represents an alkyl group of indicated number of carbon atoms attached through an oxygen bridge.

“Cycloalkyl” is intended to include saturated ring groups, including mono-, bi- or poly-cyclic ring systems, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, and adamantyl; and “bicycloalkyl” is intended to include saturated bicyclic ring groups such as, without limitation, [3.3.0]bicyclooctane, [4.3.0]bicyclononane, [4.4.0]bicyclodecane (decalin), [2.2.2]bicyclooctane, and so forth.

“Alkenyl” is intended to include hydrocarbon chains of either a straight or branched configuration and one or more unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds which may occur in any stable point along the chain, such as ethenyl, propenyl and the like.

“Alkynyl” is intended to include hydrocarbon chains of either a straight or branched configuration and one or more triple carbon-carbon bonds which may occur in any stable point along the chain, such as ethynyl, propynyl and the like.

The term “aryl” refers to an unsaturated aromatic carbocyclic group of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms having a single ring (e.g., phenyl) or multiple condensed (fused) rings (e.g., naphthyl or anthryl). Unless otherwise constrained by the definition for the aryl substituent, such aryl groups can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents selected from a member of the group consisting of acyloxyl, hydroxyl, thiol, acyl, alkyl, alkoxyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aminoacyl, acylamino, alkaryl, aryl, aryloxyl, azido, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxyl, aminoacyloxyl, oxyacylamino, thioalkoxyl, substituted thioalkoxyl, thioaryloxyl, thioheteroaryloxyl, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —SO₂-heteroaryl, trihalomethyl, NR^(a)R^(b), wherein R^(a) and R^(b) may be the same or different and are chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic. Preferred aryl substituents include, without limitation, alkyl, alkoxyl, halo, cyano, nitro, trihalomethyl, and thioalkoxy (i.e., —S-alkyl).

As used herein, “carbocycle” or “carbocyclic group” is intended to mean any stable 3 to 7 membered monocyclic or bicyclic or 7 to 14 membered bicyclic or tricyclic or an up to 26 membered polycyclic carbon ring, any of which may be saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic.

The term “substituted carbocycle” or “substituted carbocyclic group” refers to carbocyclic groups having from 1 to 5 substituents selected from a member of the group consisting of alkoxyl, substituted alkoxyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxyl, amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxyl, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxyl, thioheteroaryloxyl, thioheterocyclooxyl, thiol, thioalkoxyl, substituted thioalkoxyl, aryl, aryloxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxyl, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —SO₂-heteroaryl, and NR^(a)R^(b), wherein R^(a) and R^(b) may be the same or different and are chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.

Preferred examples of carbocyclic groups include, without limitation, members selected from the group consisting of adamantyl, anthracenyl, benzamidyl, benzyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]hexanyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octanyl, bicyclo[3.2.0]heptanyl, bicyclo[4.3.0]nonanyl, bicyclo[4.4.0]decanyl, biphenyl, biscyclooctyl, cyclobutanyl (cyclobutyl), cyclobutenyl, cycloheptanyl (cycloheptyl), cycloheptenyl, cyclohexanedionyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctanyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclopentanedionyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopropyl, decalinyl, 1,2-diphenylethanyl, indanyl, 1-indanonyl, indenyl, naphthyl, napthlalenyl, phenyl, resorcinolyl, stilbenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl (tetralin), tetralinyl, tetralonyl, tricyclododecanyl, and the like.

The term “heterocycle” or “heterocyclic group” refers to a saturated or unsaturated group having a single ring, multiple condensed rings or multiple covalently joined rings, from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and from 1 to 10 hetero ring atoms, preferably 1 to 4 hetero ring atoms, selected from nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and/or oxygen. Preferably, the term means a stable 5 to 7 membered monocyclic or bicyclic or 7 to 10 membered bicyclic heterocyclic ring that may be saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic, and that comprises carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from a member of the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms are optionally be oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quaternized, and including any bicyclic group in which any of the above-defined heterocyclic rings is fused to a benzene ring. The heterocyclic groups may be substituted on carbon or on a nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and/or oxygen heteroatom so long as the resulting compound is stable.

Unless otherwise constrained by the definition for the heterocyclic substituent, such heterocyclic groups can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents. Suitable, but non-limiting, examples of such substituents include members selected from the group consisting of alkoxyl, substituted alkoxyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxyl, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxyl, oxyaminoacyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxyl, thioheteroaryloxyl, thioheterocyclooxyl, thiol, thioalkoxyl, substituted thioalkoxyl, aryl, aryloxyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxyl, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, —SO-alkyl, —SO-substituted alkyl, —SO-aryl, —SO-heteroaryl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-substituted alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —SO,-heteroaryl, and NR^(a)R^(b), wherein R^(a) and R^(b) may be the same or different and are chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic.

Suitable examples of such heterocyclic groups include, without limitation, acridinyl, acridonyl, adeninyl, alkylpyridinyl, alloxanyl, alloxazinyl, anthracenyl, anthranilyl, anthraquinonyl, anthrenyl, ascorbyl, azaazulenyl, azabenzanthracenyl, azabenzanthrenyl, azabenzonaphthenyl, azabenzophenanthrenyl, azachrysenyl, azacyclazinyl, azaindolyl, azanaphthacenyl, azanaphthalenyl, azaphenoxazinyl, azapinyl, azapurinyl, azapyrenyl, azatriphenylenyl, azepinyl, azetidinedionyl, azetidinonyl, azetidinyl, azinoindolyl, azinopyrrolyl, azinyl, aziridinonyl, aziridinyl, azirinyl, azocinyl, azoloazinyl, azolyl, barbituric acid, benzacridinyl, benzazapinyl, benzazinyl, benzimidazolethionyl, benzimidazolonyl, benzimidazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzocinnolinyl, benzodiazocinyl, benzodioxanyl, benzodioxolanyl, benzodioxolyl, benzofuranyl (benzofuryl), benzofuroxanyl, benzonaphthyridinyl, benzopyranonyl (benzopyranyl), benzopyridazinyl, benzopyronyl, benzoquinolinyl, benzoquinolizinyl, benzothiadiazinyl, benzothiazepinyl, benzothiazinyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiepinyl, benzothiophenyl, benzotriazepinonyl, benzotriazolyl, benzoxadizinyl, benzoxazinyl, benzoxazolinonyl, benzoxazolyl, benzylisoquinolinyl, beta-carbolinyl, biotinyl, bipyridinyl, butenolidyl, butyrolactonyl, caprolactamyl, carbazolyl, 4a H-carbazolyl, carbolinyl, catechinyl, chromanyl, chromenopyronyl, chromonopyranyl, chromylenyl, cinnolinyl, coumarinyl, coumaronyl, decahydroquinolinyl, decahydroquinolonyl, depsidinyl, diazaanthracenyl, diazaphenanthrenyl, diazepinyl, diazinyl, diaziridinonyl, diaziridinyl, diazirinyl, diazocinyl, dibenzazepinyl, dibenzofuranyl, dibenzothiophenyl, dibenzoxazepinyl, dichromylenyl, dihydrobenzimidazolyl, dihydrobenzothiazinyl, dihydrofuranyl, dihydroisocoumarinyl, dihydroisoquinolinyl, dihydrooxazolyl, dihydropyranyl, dihydropyridazinyl, dihydropyridinyl, dihydropyridonyl, dihydropyrimidinyl, dihydropyronyl, dihydrothiazinyl, dihydrothiopyranyl, dihydroxybenzenyl, dimethoxybenzenyl, dimethylxanthinyl, dioxadiazinyl, dioxanthylenyl, dioxanyl, dioxenyl, dioxepinyl, dioxetanyl, dioxinonyl, dioxinonyl, dioxiranyl, dioxolanyl, dioxolonyl, dioxolyl, dioxopiperazinyl, diprylenyl, dipyrimidopyrazinyl, dithiadazolyl, dithiazolyl, 2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, dithietanyl, dithiolanyl, dithiolenyl, dithiolyl, enantholactamyl, episulfonyl, flavanyl, flavanyl, flavinyl, flavonyl, fluoranyl, fluorescienyl, furandionyl, furanochromanyl, furanonyl, furanoquinolinyl, furanyl (furyl), furazanyl, furfuryl, furopyranyl, furopyrimidinyl, furopyronyl, furoxanyl, glutarimidyl, glycocyamidinyl, guaninyl, heteroazulenyl, hexahydropyrazinoisoquinolinyl, hexahydropyridazinyl, homophthalimidyl, hydantoinyl, hydrofuranyl, hydrofurnanonyl, hydroimidazolyl, hydroindolyl, hydropyranyl, hydropyrazinyl, hydropyrazolyl, hydropyridazinyl, hydropyridinyl, hydropyrimidinyl, hydropyrrolyl, hydroquinolinyl, hydrothiochromenyl, hydrothiophenyl, hydrotriazolyl, hydroxytrizinyl, imidazolethionyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolonyl, imidazolyl, imidazoquinazolinyl, imidazothiazolyl, indazolebenzopyrazolyl, indazolyl, 1H-indazolyl, indolenyl, indolinyl, indolizidinyl, indolizinyl, indolonyl, indolyl, 3H-indolyl, indoxazenyl, inosinyl, isatinyl, isatogenyl, isoalloxazinyl, isobenzofurandionyl, isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoflavonyl, isoindolinyl (isoindolyl), isoindolobenzazepinyl, isoquinolinyl, isoquinuclidinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolidinyl, isoxazolinonyl, isoxazolinyl, isoxazolonyl, isoxazolyl, lactamyl, lactonyl, lumazinyl, maleimidyl, methylbenzamidyl, methylbenzoyleneureayl, methyldihydrouracilyl, methyldioxotetrahydropteridinyl, methylpurinyl, methylthyminyl, methylthyminyl, methyluracilyl, methylxanthinyl, monoazabenzonaphthenyl, morpholinyl (morpholino), naphthacenyl, naphthalenyl, naphthimidazolyl, naphthimidazopyridinedionyl, naphthindolizinedionyl, naphthodihydropyranyl, naphthofuranyl, naphthothiophenyl, naphthylpyridinyl, naphthyridinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, octylcarboxamidobenzenyl, oroticyl, oxadiazinyl, oxadiazolyl, oxathianyl, oxathiazinonyl, oxathietanyl, oxathiiranyl, oxathiolanyl, oxatriazolyl, oxazinonyl, oxaziranyl, oxaziridinyl, oxazolidinonyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolidonyl, oxazolinonyl, oxazolinyl, oxazolonyl, oxazolopyrimidinyl, oxazolyl, oxepinyl, oxetananonyl, oxetanonyl, oxetanyl, oxindolyl, oxiranyl, oxolenyl, pentazinyl, pentazolyl, perhydroazolopyridinyl, perhydrocinnolinyl, perhydroindolyl, perhydropyrroloazinyl, perhydropyrrolooxazinyl, perhydropyrrolothiazinyl, perhydrothiazinonyl, perimidinyl, petrazinyl, phenanthraquinonyl, phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenarsazinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxanthinyl, phenoxazinyl, phenoxazonyl, phthalazinyl, phthalideisoquinolinyl, phthalimidyl, phthalonyl, piperazindionyl, piperazinodionyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, piperidonyl, 4-piperidonyl, polyoxadiazolyl, polyquinoxalinyl, prolinyl, prylenyl, pteridinyl, pterinyl, purinyl, pyradinyl, pyranoazinyl, pyranoazolyl, pyranonyl, pyranopyradinyl, pyranopyrandionyl, pyranopyridinyl, pyranoquinolinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolidonyl, pyrazolinonyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolobenzodiazepinyl, pyrazolonyl, pyrazolopyridinyl, pyrazolopyrimidinyl, pyrazolotriazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrenyl, pyridazinyl, pyridazonyl, pyridinethionyl, pyridinonaphthalenyl, pyridinopyridinyl, pyridocolinyl, pyridoindolyl, pyridopyrazinyl, pyridopyridinyl, pyridopyrimidinyl, pyridopyrrolyl, pyridoquinolinyl, pyridyl (pyridinyl), pyrimidinethionyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrimidionyl, pyrimidoazepinyl, pyrimidopteridinyl, pyronyl, pyrrocolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolizidinyl, pyrrolizinyl, pyrrolobenzodiazepinyl, pyrrolodiazinyl, pyrrolonyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, pyrroloquinolonyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, quinacridonyl, quinazolidinyl, quinazolinonyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, quinolizidinyl, quinolizinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinolonyl, quinonyl, quinoxalinyl, quinuclidinyl, quinuclidinyl, rhodaminyl, spirocoumaranyl, succinimidyl, sulfolanyl, sulfolenyl, sultamyl, sultinyl, sultonyl, sydononyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydrooxazolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydropyrazinyl, tetrahydropyridazinyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinoxalinyl, tetrahydrothiapyranyl, tetrahydrothiazolyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranonyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, tetraoxanyl, tetrazepinyl, tetrazinyl, tetrazolyl, tetronyl, thiabenzenyl, thiachromanyl, thiadecalinyl, thiadiazinyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl, thiadiazolinyl, thiadiazolyl, thiadioxazinyl, thianaphthenyl, thianthrenyl, thiapyranyl, thiapyronyl, thiatriazinyl, thiatriazolyl, thiazepinyl, thiazetidinyl, thiazinyl, thiaziridinyl, thiazolidinonyl, thiazolidinyl, thiazolinonyl, thiazolinyl, thiazolobenzimidazolyl, thiazolopyridinyl, thiazolyl, thienopryidinyl, thienopyrimidinyl, thienopyrrolyl, thienothiophenyl, thienyl, thiepinyl, thietanyl, thiiranyl, thiochromenyl, thiocoumarinyl, thiolanyl, thiolenyl, thiolyl, thiophenyl, thiopyranyl, thyminyl, triazaanthracenyl, triazepinonyl, triazepinyl, triazinoindolyl, triazinyl, triazolinedionyl, triazolinyl, triazolopyridinyl, triazolopyrimidinyl, triazolyl, trioxanyl, triphenodioxazinyl, triphenodithiazinyl, trithiadiazepinyl, trithianyl, trixolanyl, trizinyl, tropanyl, uracilyl, xanthenyl, xanthinyl, xanthonyl, xanthydrolyl, xylitolyl, and the like as well as N-alkoxy-nitrogen containing heterocycles.

Preferred heterocyclic groups include, without limitation, members of the group consisting of acridinyl, aziridinyl, azocinyl, azepinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzodioxolanyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, carbazole, 4a H-carbazole, chromanyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, dioxoindolyl, furazanyl, furyl, furfuryl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl, indolenyl, indolinyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, 3H-indolyl, isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoindolinyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, morpholinyl, naphthalenyl, naphthyridinyl, norbornanyl, norpinanyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxiranyl, perimidinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenarsazinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxathiinyl, phenoxazinyl, phenyl, phthalazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, 4-piperidonyl, piperidyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrenyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyridyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidonyl, pyrrolonyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinuclidinyl, 3-carbolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrazolyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl, 2H-,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, thiophenyl, triazinyl, xanthenyl, xanthinyl, and the like.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable derivative” or “prodrug” means any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, salt of an ester, or other derivative of a compound of the present invention which, upon administration to a recipient, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of this invention. Particularly favored derivatives and prodrugs are those that increase the bioavailability of the compounds of this invention when such compounds are administered to a mammal (e.g., by allowing an orally administered compound to be more readily absorbed into the blood) or that enhance delivery of the parent compound to a biological compartment (e.g., the brain or lymphatic system) relative to the parent species. Prodrugs are considered to be any covalently bonded carriers which release the active parent drug according to Formula I or II in vivo when such prodrug is administered to a mammalian subject. Preferred prodrugs include, without limitation, derivatives where a group that enhances aqueous solubility or active transport through the gut membrane is appended to the structure of Formula I or II. Prodrugs of the compounds of Formula I or II are prepared by modifying functional groups present in the compounds in such a way that the modifications are cleaved, either in routine manipulation or in vivo, to the parent compounds. Prodrugs include compounds of Formula I or II wherein hydroxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, or carboxyl groups are bonded to any group that, when administered to a mammalian subject, cleaves to form a free hydroxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, or carboxyl group, respectively. Examples of prodrugs include, but are not limited to, acetate, formate and benzoate derivatives of alcohol and amine functional groups in the compounds of Formula I or II, and the like.

As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refer to derivatives of the disclosed compounds wherein the parent compound of Formula I or II is modified by making acid or base salts of the compound of Formula I or II. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines; alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids; and the like. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of Formula I or II include the conventional nontoxic salts or the quaternary ammonium salts of the compounds of Formula I or II formed, for example, from nontoxic inorganic or organic acids. For example, such conventional non-toxic salts include, without limitation, those derived from inorganic acids such as acetic, 2-acetoxybenzoic, adipic, alginic, ascorbic, aspartic, benzoic, benzenesulfonic, bisulfic, butyric, citric, camphoric, camphorsulfonic, cyclopentanepropionic, digluconic, dodecylsulfanilic, ethane disulfonic, ethanesulfonilic, fumaric, glucoheptanoic, glutamic, glycerophosphic, glycolic, hemisulfanoic, heptanoic, hexanoic, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonoic, hydroxymaleic, isethionic, lactic, malic, maleic, methanesulfonic, 2-naphthalenesulfonilic, nicotinic, nitric, oxalic, palmic, pamoic, pectinic, persulfanilic, phenylacetic, phosphoric, propionic, pivalic, propionate, salicylic, succinic, stearic, sulfuric, sulfamic, sulfanilic, tartaric, thiocyanic, toluenesulfonic, tosylic, undecanoatehydrochloric, and the like.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present invention can be synthesized from the compounds of Formula I or II which contain a basic or acidic moiety by conventional chemical methods, for example, by reacting the free base or acid with stoichiometric amounts of the appropriate base or acid, respectively, in water or in an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two (nonaqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile are preferred) or by reacting the free base or acid with an excess of the desired salt-forming inorganic or organic acid or base in a suitable solvent or various combinations of solvents. Lists of suitable salts are found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 1418, et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention also envisions the quaternization of any basic nitrogen-containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein. The basic nitrogen can be quaternized with any agents known to those of ordinary skill in the art including, without limitation, lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl chlorides, bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates including dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates; long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides; and aralkyl halides including benzyl and phenethyl bromides. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products may be obtained by such quaternization.

The terms “cellular process or activity mediated by IL-12” and “IL-12 mediated processes and activities,” as used herein includes IL-12 initiated cellular processes and activities, for example, the direct stimulation of IFN-γ production by resting T cells and NK cells. This term also includes the IL-12 modulation of ongoing processes and activities, for example, the enhancement of anti-CD3 induced IFN-γ secretion. Various other IL-12-mediated processes and activities are intended to be encompassed by this term, for example, the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th1 cells; maintenance of the Th1 phenotype (e.g., high IFN-γ production, low IL-4 production); proliferation of T cell blasts; enhancement of NK cell and CTL cytolytic activity, and the like. For additional examples, see Trinchieri, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 13: 251-76 (1995).

The term “treatment” refers to any treatment of an IL-12 mediated disease or condition in a mammal, particularly a human, and includes, without limitation:

-   -   (i) preventing the disease or condition from occurring in a         subject which may be predisposed to the condition but has not         yet been diagnosed with the condition and, accordingly, the         treatment constitutes prophylactic treatment for the pathologic         condition;     -   (ii) inhibiting the disease or condition, i.e., arresting its         development;     -   (iii) relieving the disease or condition, i.e., causing         regression of the disease or condition; or     -   (iv) relieving the symptoms resulting from the disease or         condition, e.g., relieving an inflammatory response without         addressing the underlining disease or condition.

The terms “pharmaceutically effective” or therapeutically effective” amount of a compound of the present invention is an amount that is sufficient to effect treatment, as defined above, when administered to a mammal in need of such treatment. The amount will vary depending upon the subject and disease condition being treated, the weight and age of the subject, the severity of the disease condition, the manner of administration and the like, which can be readily determined by one of skill in the art.

In addition to their structural characteristics, the compounds of the present invention share an ability to inhibit IL-12 signaling. A skilled artisan or scientist using routine protocols or assays, such as the assays disclosed in the Examples below or in the literature, may readily confirm the utility of the compounds disclosed herein.

Without being bound by the above general structural descriptions/definitions, preferred compounds of the present invention having utility for inhibiting IL-12 signaling according to the present invention, include, but are not limited to the following compounds. It will be appreciated, as noted above, that where an R or S enantiomer is exemplified for each particular compound, the corresponding S or R enantiomer, respectively, is also intended even though it may not be specifically shown below.

Further representative compounds of the present invention having utility for inhibiting L-12 signaling in accordance with the present invention are set forth below in Table 1. The compounds in Table 1 have the following general structure of Formula II:

It is noted that in Table 1, “Me” represents “—CH₃,” and “Et” represents “—CH₂CH₃.” In addition, although the below-exemplified moieties in Table 1 are representative of R₄, R₅ and R₆ in Formula II, it will be understood that the exemplified moieties, without being limited by the above description/definitions, are also representative of R₂ and R₃ in Formula I. TABLE 1 R₄ R₅ R₆ Me H

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Methods of Use

The present invention is also directed to a method of inhibiting IL-12 signaling in a mammal having an inflammatory response (e.g., Th1 cell-mediated). The methods of the present invention generally comprise administering a pharmaceutically or therapeutically effective amount of a compound as described herein to a patient in need of such treatment whereby L-12 signaling is inhibited. The patient may be a human or non-human mammal. For example, a patient will need treatment when exhibiting a deleterious inflammatory response in the course of a disease condition mediated by Th1 cells. Such need is determinable by skilled clinicians and investigators in the medical arts.

Preferred Th1 cell-mediated disease conditions that involve an inflammatory response may include, but are not limited to, the following exemplary conditions: (1) inflammatory diseases or disorders, such as, for example, arthritis, asthma, chronic inflammatory diseases, chronic intestinal inflammation, psoriasis, septic shock, septicemia, and adult respiratory distress syndrome; (2) autoimmune diseases or disorders, such as, for example, graft-versus-host disease (acute and/or chronic), autoimmune gastritis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune neutropenia, chronic active hepatitis, chronic thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis), lupus disorders (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus), multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, thrombocytopenia, thyroid diseases (e.g., Graves' and Hashimoto's disease), type-1-IDDM, and uveitis; and (3) neurodegenerative diseases such as, for example, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and primary lateral sclerosis. The method of the present invention is particularly useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, preferably as a therapy for treating MS and type-1-IDDM.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for inhibiting a cellular process or activity mediated by IL-12, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) contacting IL-12 responsive cells with a compound of the         present invention, as described above; and     -   (b) determining that the cellular process or activity mediated         by IL-12 is inhibited.

Pharmaceutical Compositions and Dosage

The compounds of the present invention can be administered in such oral dosage forms as tablets, capsules (each of which includes sustained release or timed release formulations), pills, powders, granules, elixirs, tinctures, suspensions, syrups, and emulsions. Likewise, they may also be administered in intravenous (bolus or infusion), intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular form, all using dosage forms well known to those of ordinary skill in the pharmaceutical arts.

The compounds of the present invention can be administered by any means that produces contact of the active agent with the agent's site of action in the body of a mammal. They can be administered by any conventional means available for use in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, either as individual therapeutic agents or in a combination of therapeutic agents readily determinable by the skilled artisan. They can be administered alone, but are generally administered with a pharmaceutical carrier selected on the basis of the chosen route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice.

The dosage regimen for the compounds of the present invention will, of course, vary depending upon known factors, such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular agent and its mode and route of administration; the species, age, sex, health, medical condition, and weight of the recipient; the nature and extent of the symptoms; the kind of concurrent treatment; the frequency of treatment; the route of administration, the renal and hepatic function of the patient, and the effect desired. An ordinarily skilled physician or veterinarian can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the drug required to prevent, counter, or arrest the progress of the condition. Dosage forms (pharmaceutical compositions) suitable for administration may contain from about 1 milligram to about 100 milligrams of active ingredient per dosage unit. In these pharmaceutical compositions the active ingredient will ordinarily be present in an amount of about 0.5-95% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. By way of general guidance, the daily oral dosage of each active ingredient, when used for the indicated effects, will range between about 0.001 to 1000 mg/kg of body weight, preferably between about 0.01 to about 100 mg/kg of body weight per day, and most preferably between about 1.0 to 20 mg/kg/day. Intravenously, the most preferred doses will range from about 1 to about 10 mg/kg/minute during a constant rate infusion. Advantageously, compounds of the present invention may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered in divided doses of two, three, or four times daily.

The compounds for the present invention can be administered in intranasal form via topical use of suitable intranasal vehicles, or via transdermal routes, using those forms of transdermal skin patches well known to those of skill in that art. To be administered in the form of a transdermal delivery system, the dosage administration will, of course, be continuous rather than intermittent throughout the dosage regimen.

In the methods of the present invention, the inventive compounds can form the active ingredient, and are typically administered in admixture with suitable pharmaceutical diluents, excipients, or carriers (collectively referred to herein as carrier materials) suitably selected with respect to the intended form of administration, that is, oral tablets, capsules, elixirs, syrups and the like, and consistent with conventional pharmaceutical practices. For instance, for oral administration in the form of a tablet or capsule, the active drug component can be combined with an oral, non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable, inert carrier such as lactose, starch, sucrose, glucose, methyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, mannitol, sorbitol and the like; for oral administration in liquid form, the oral drug components can be combined with any oral, non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier such as ethanol, glycerol, water, and the like. Moreover, when desired or necessary, suitable binders, lubricants, disintegrating agents, and coloring agents can also be incorporated into the mixture. Suitable binders include, without limitation, starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose or beta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, tragacanth, or sodium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, waxes, and the like. Lubricants used in these dosage forms include, without limitation, sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, and the like. Disintegrators include, without limitation, starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum, and the like.

The compounds of the present invention can also be administered in the form of liposome delivery systems, such as small unilamellar vesicles, large unilamallar vesicles, and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes can be formed from a variety of phospholipids, such as cholesterol, stearylamine, or phosphatidylcholines.

Compounds of the present invention may also be coupled with soluble polymers as targetable drug carriers. Such polymers can include, without limitation, polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyran copolymer, polyhydroxypropylmethacrylamide-phenol, polyhydroxyethylaspartamidephenol, or polyethyleneoxidepolylysine substituted with palmitoyl residues. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may be coupled to a class of biodegradable polymers useful in achieving controlled release of a drug, for example, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, copolymers of polylactic and polyglycolic acid, polyepsilon caprolactone, polyhydroxy butyric acid, polyorthoesters, polyacetals, polydihydropyrans, polycyanoacylates, and crosslinked or amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels.

Gelatin capsules may contain the active ingredient and powdered carriers, such as lactose, starch, cellulose derivatives, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and the like. Similar diluents can be used to make compressed tablets. Both tablets and capsules can be manufactured as sustained release products to provide for continuous release of medication over a period of hours. Compressed tablets can be sugar coated or film coated to mask any unpleasant taste and protect the tablet from the atmosphere, or enteric coated for selective disintegration in the gastrointestinal tract.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration can contain coloring and flavoring to increase patient acceptance.

In general, water, a suitable oil, saline, aqueous dextrose (glucose), and related sugar solutions and glycols such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycols are suitable carriers for parenteral solutions. Solutions for parenteral administration preferably contain a water soluble salt of the active ingredient, suitable stabilizing agents, and if necessary, buffer substances. Antioxidizing agents such as sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, or ascorbic acid, either alone or combined, are suitable stabilizing agents. Also used are citric acid and its salts and sodium EDTA. In addition, parenteral solutions can contain preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride, methyl- or propyl-paraben, and chlorobutanol. Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Useful pharmaceutical dosage-forms for administration of the compounds of this invention can be illustrated, without limitation, as follows:

Capsules. A large number of unit capsules are prepared by filling standard two-piece hard gelatin capsules each with 100 milligrams of powdered active ingredient, 150 milligrams of lactose, 50 milligrams of cellulose, and 6 milligrams magnesium stearate.

Soft Gelatin Capsules. A mixture of active ingredient in a digestable oil such as soybean oil, cottonseed oil or olive oil is prepared and injected by means of a positive displacement pump into gelatin to form soft gelatin capsules containing 100 milligrams of the active ingredient. The capsules are washed and dried.

Tablets. A large number of tablets are prepared by conventional procedures so that the dosage unit was 100 milligrams of active ingredient, 0.2 milligrams of colloidal silicon dioxide, 5 milligrams of magnesium stearate, 275 milligrams of microcrystalline cellulose, 11 milligrams of starch and 98.8 milligrams of lactose. Appropriate coatings may be applied to increase palatability or delay absorption.

Injectable. A parenteral composition suitable for administration by injection is prepared by stirring 1.5% by weight of active ingredient in 10% by volume propylene glycol and water. The solution is made isotonic with sodium chloride and sterilized.

Suspension. An aqueous suspension is prepared for oral administration so that each 5 mL contain 100 mg of finely divided active ingredient, 200 mg of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 5 mg of sodium benzoate, 1.0 g of sorbitol solution, U.S.P., and 0.025 mL of vanillin.

The compounds of the present invention may be administered in combination with a second therapeutic agent such as, for example, a corticosteroid, analgesics, etc. The compounds of the present invention and such second therapeutic agent can be administered separately or as a physical combination in a single dosage unit, in any dosage form and by various routes of administration, as described above. The compounds of the present invention may be formulated together with the second therapeutic agent in a single dosage unit (that is, combined together in one capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid, etc.). When the compounds of the present invention and the second therapeutic agent are not formulated together in a single dosage unit, they may be administered essentially at the same time, or in any order; for example, the compounds of the present invention may be administered first, followed by administration of the second agent. When not administered at the same time, preferably the administration of a compound of the present invention and the second therapeutic agent occurs less than about one hour apart, more preferably less than about 5 to 30 minutes apart. Preferably the route of administration is oral. Although it is preferable that the inventive compound and the second therapeutic agent are both administered by the same route (that is, for example, both orally), if desired, they may each be administered by different routes and in different dosage forms (that is, for example, one component of the combination product may be administered orally, and another component may be administered intravenously).

The dosage when administered alone or in combination with a second therapeutic agent may vary depending upon various factors such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular agent and its mode and route of administration, the age, health and weight of the recipient, the nature and extent of the symptoms, the kind of concurrent treatment, the frequency of treatment, and the effect desired, as described above. The proper dosage of a compound of the present invention when administered in combination with the second therapeutic agent will be readily ascertainable by a medical practitioner skilled in the art, once armed with the present disclosure.

Upon improvement of a patient's condition, a maintenance dose of a compound, composition or combination of this invention may be administered, if necessary. Subsequently, the dosage or frequency of administration, or both, may be reduced, as a function of the symptoms, to a level at which the improved condition is retained when the symptoms have been alleviated to the desired level, treatment should cease. Patients may, however, require intermittent treatment on a long-term basis upon any recurrence of disease symptoms.

Synthesis

Compounds of the present invention can be synthesized using the methods described in the Examples below, which are preferred, as well as by synthetic methods known in the art of synthetic organic chemistry, or variations thereon as readily appreciated and readily performable by those skilled in the art. The various synthetic steps described herein may be performed in an alternate sequence or order to give the desired compounds. Moreover, the synthesis Examples described herein are not intended to comprise a comprehensive list of all means by which the compounds described and claimed in this patent application may be synthesized.

For example, 1,3,7-trisubstituted xanthine-based compounds of the present invention may be synthesized from 1,3-disubstituted xanthine compounds, 1,7-disubstituted xanthine compounds, or 3,7-disubstituted xanthine compounds. The 1,3,7-trisubstituted xanthine compound may be prepared by treating a 1,3-disubstituted xanthine compound with an appropriate base in a suitable solvent to provide an anion which undergoes a substitution reaction with a compound substituted with an appropriate leaving group. Suitable bases include, but are not limited to, sodium hydride and potassium tert-butoxide. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide and tetrahydrofuran. Suitable leaving groups include, but are not limited to, chloro, bromo, iodo, methanesulfonato, trifluoromethanesulfonato and p-toluenesulfonato.

Alternatively, 1,3,7-Trisubstituted xanthine compounds may be synthesized from 1,3-disubstituted xanthine compounds, 1,7-disubstituted xanthine compounds, or 3,7-disubstituted xanthine compounds using so called Mitsunobu reaction conditions. For example, 1,3,7-Trisubstituted xanthine compounds may be prepared by treating a 1,3-disubstituted xanthine compound with a compound substituted with an alcohol group. The alcohol group is activated to undergo a substitution reaction after treatment with an appropriate phosphine compound and an appropriate azo compound in a suitable solvent. Suitable phosphine compounds include, but are not limited to, triphenylphosphine and tributylphosphine. An appropriate azo compound includes, but is not limited to, diethylazodicarboxylate. A suitable solvent includes, but is not limited to, tetrahydrofuran.

8-Alkylsulfanylxanthine compounds are synthesized from 8-mercaptoxanthine compounds which undergoes a substitution reaction with a compound substituted with an appropriate leaving group. The substitution reaction is conducted in the presence or absence of an appropriate base in a suitable solvent. Appropriate leaving groups include, but are not limited to, chloro, bromo, iodo, methanesulfonato, trifluoromethanesulfonato and p-toluenesulfonato. An appropriate base includes, but is not limited to, potassium carbonate. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide and tetrahydrofuran.

8-Aminoxanthine compounds may be synthesized from xanthine compounds substituted on the 8-position with an appropriate leaving group in a substitution reaction with a compound containing an amino group. The substitution reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent. Appropriate leaving groups include, but are not limited to, chloro, bromo, iodo, methanesulfonato, trifluoromethanesulfonato and p-toluenesulfonato. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited, to dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide and tetrahydrofuran.

8-Aminomethylxanthine compounds may be synthesized from 8-methylxanthine compounds substituted on the 8-methyl substituent with an appropriate leaving group in a substitution reaction with a compound containing an amino group. The substitution reaction is conducted in a suitable solvent. Appropriate leaving groups include, but are not limited to, chloro, bromo, iodo, methanesulfonato, trifluoromethanesulfonato and p-toluenesulfonato. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide and tetrahydrofuran.

As can be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the preferred synthetic schemes described above and in the Examples below are not intended to comprise a comprehensive list of all means by which the compounds described and claimed herein may be synthesized. It should be understood that the specified materials and conditions are important in practicing the invention but that unspecified materials and conditions are not excluded so long as they do not prevent the benefits of the invention from being realized. Other suitable methods and starting materials will be evident to those having skill in the art. Additionally, the various synthetic steps described may be performed in an alternate sequence or order to give the desired compounds.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be further illustrated in the following, non-limiting Examples. The Examples are illustrative only and do not limit the claimed invention regarding the materials, conditions, process parameters and the like recited herein.

Example 1 Synthesis of 1-(5-(N-Hydroxy)aminohexyl)-3,7-dimethylxanthine (CT7549)

Sodium cyanoborohydride (62.84 mg, 1 mmol) was added to a solution of 1-(5-oximinohexyl)-3,7-dimethylxanthine (Klein, J. P.; Leigh, A. Oxime Substituted Therapeutic Compounds, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,595 (Jun. 23, 1998)) (293 mg, 1 mmol) in methanol (10 ml). 1 M hydrogen chloride in ether was added to pH 4-5. After stirring for 3 hours, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. 1 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to pH 9-10 (10 ml). The mixture was extracted with 10% methanol-dichloromethane (3×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (50 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 110% methanol-dichloromethane to provide 1-(5-(N-hydroxy)aminohexyl)-3,7-dimethylxanthine (180 mg).

Example 2 Synthesis of (R)-3-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-1,7-dimethylxanthine (CT11495)

To a stirring solution of 1,7-dimethylxanthine (0.30 g, 1.67 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (20 ml) was added sodium hydride (42 mmg, 1.75 mmol) in one portion. After stirring for 30 minutes, (R)-5-acetoxy-1-bromohexane (0.31 g, 1.75 mmol) was added neat. (R)-5-Acetoxy-1-bromohexane was prepared according to methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/002,345, which is incorporated herein by reference. After heating at 80° C. for 18 hours, water (25 ml) was added and the aqueous solution was extracted with dichloromethane (3×20 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (50 ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica eluting with ethyl acetate to give (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1,7-dimethylxanthine (0.34 g, 64% yield) as a colorless oil.

To a stirring solution of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1,7-dimethylxanthine (0.28 g, 0.87 mmol) in methanol (20 ml) was added an anhydrous solution of hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether (1 M, 2.6 ml, 2.6 mmol). After refluxing for 4 hours, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate solution (30 ml) and extracted with dichloromethane (3×20 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (30 ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give (R)-3-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-1,7-dimethylxanthine (0.20 g, 85% yield) as a colorless oil that solidified on standing.

Example 3 Synthesis of (R)-1-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-3,7-dimethyluric Acid (CT11499)

To a stirring solution of 3,7-dimethyluric acid (0.40 g, 2.04 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (20 ml) was added sodium hydride (49 mg, 2.04 mmol) in one portion. After stirring for 45 minutes, a solution of chloromethyl pivalate (0.29 g, 2.04 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (1 ml). After stirring for 24 hours, water (50 ml) was added. After cooling to room temperature, the solid was filtered, rinsed with water (4×20 ml), with ether (20 ml) and dried under vacuum to give 9-pivaloyloxymethyl-3,7-dimethyluric acid (0.18 g, 28% yield) as a white solid.

To a stirring solution of 9-pivaloyloxymethyl-3,7-dimethyluric acid (0.14 g, 0.45 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (10 ml) was added sodium hydride (12 mg, 0.47 mmol) in one portion. The solution was stirred for 15 minutes. (R)-5-Acetoxy-1-iodohexane (0.13 g, 0.47 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (1 ml) was added. The solution of (R)-5-acetoxy-1-iodohexane was prepared according to methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/002,345, which is incorporated herein by reference. After stirring at room temperature for 24 hours, water (25 ml) was added and the aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×15 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (15 ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica eluting with ethyl acetate to give (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-9-pivaloyloxymethyl-3,7-dimethyluric acid (0.10 g, 50% yield) as a white solid.

To a stirring solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-9-pivaloyloxymethyl-3,7-dimethyluric acid (0.10 g, 0.22 mmol) in methanol (5 ml) was added solid sodium methoxide (48 mg, 0.88 mmol) in one portion. After stirring at room temperature for 4 days, the mixture was treated with 5% aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (0.25 ml) and concentrated under a stream of nitrogen and mild heating. The residue was purified by preparative thin layer chromatography (250 micron silica gel plate) eluting with 7% methanol-dichloromethane to provide (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-3,7-dimethyluric acid (20 mg, 30% yield) as a white solid.

Example 4 Synthesis of (R)-1-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-3,8-dimethylxanthine (CT12407)

Glacial acetic acid (4.5 ml, 75 mmol) was added to a suspension of 6-amino-1-methyluracil (5.66 g, 50 mmol) in hot water (100 ml). Sodium nitrite (4.14 g) was added in portions and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour. The precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (75 ml) and then suspended in water (100 ml). The mixture was warmed to 50° C. and sodium dithionite (10 g) was added in portions keeping the temperature of the reaction between 50-55° C. The mixture was stirred at 500° C. for 1 hr and then cooled to room temperature and filtered. The solid was washed with water (2×25 ml), acetone (2×25 ml) and dried under vacuum to provide 5,6-diamino-1-methyluracil (5.6 g).

A solution of 5,6-diamino-1-methyluracil (2.5 g) in acetic anhydride (25 ml) was heated at reflux for 2 hours and then the acetic anhydride was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (50 ml) and heated at reflux for 2 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was acidified to pH 4 by addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water (15 ml), rinsed with acetone (15 ml) and dried under vacuum to provide 3,8-dimethylxanthine (1.8 g).

A solution of sodium hydroxide (400 mg) in water (5 ml) was added to a suspension of 3,8-dimethylxanthine (1.80 g) in methanol (10 ml). After stirring for 1 hour at 70° C., benzyl bromide (1.2 ml) was added. After stirring for 5 hours at 70-80° C., the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (50 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×75 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (30 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The solid was purified by recrystallization from ethanol to provide 7-benzyl-3,8-dimethylxanthine (1.06 g).

7-Benzyl-3,8-dimethylxanthine (500 mg, 1.85 mmol) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (50.5 mg) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (20 ml). After stirring for 30 minutes, (R) 5-acetoxy-1-chlorohexane (357 mg) was added and the mixture was warmed to 70-80° C. for 12 hours. The (R) 5-acetoxy-1-chlorohexane was prepared according to methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,423 issued to Klein, J. P., Leigh, A. J., Michnick, J., Kumar, A. M., Underiner, G. E., on May 13, 1997. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction was quenched by the addition of water (50 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×75 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×50 ml), washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (50 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to give (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-3,8-dimethylxanthine (638 mg).

A solution of (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-3,8-dimethylxanthine (500 mg) in methanol (20 ml) was combined with hydrogen chloride in ether (1 M, 2.5 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 ml). The solution was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (30 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-3,8-dimethylxanthine (420 mg).

Example 5 Synthesis of (R)-3-(2-Furylmethyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT12422)

To a stirring solution of furfuryl alcohol (6.0 ml, 69.4 mmol) and carbon tetrabromide (29.9 g, 90.2 mmol) in dichloromethane (70 ml) at 0° C. was added triphenylphosphine (23.7 g, 90.2 mmol) slowly over 30 minutes (rapid addition results in polymerization of furfuryl moieties as evidenced by a black-green solution). The reaction was stirred at 0° C. for an additional 30 minutes and then at room temperature for 1.5 hours. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure provided an oil that was treated with hot hexane (150 ml). After cooling to room temperature the solid was filtered. The filtrate was treated with activated charcoal (10 g), stirred for 1 hour and filtered through a pad of celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was immediately distilled (43-46° C., 23 mm) with careful exclusion of air to give furfuryl bromide (10.2 g, 91% yield) as a colorless oil which was used immediately in the next step.

To a stirring suspension of 7-methylxanthine (2.54 g, 15.3 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (80 ml) was added sodium hydride (0.37 mg, 15.3 mmol) in one portion. After stirring for 30 minutes, freshly prepared furfuryl bromide (2.5 g, 15.3 mmol) was added neat. After stirring at room temperature for 18 hours, the reaction was quenched by addition of water (150 ml). Saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (30 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with chloroform (4×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (3×50 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (2×50 ml) and dried over a mixture of sodium sulfate and activated charcoal. After filtration through a pad of celite, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with ethyl acetate. The solid was filtered, rinsed with cold ethyl acetate (2×25 ml) and vacuum dried to give 3-(2-furylmethyl)-7-methylxanthine (0.54 g, 14% yield) as a beige solid.

To a stirring suspension 3-(2-furylmethyl)-7-methylxanthine (0.40 g, 1.62 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (20 ml) was added sodium hydride (41 mg, 1.71 mmol) in one portion. After stirring for 25 minutes, (R)-5-acetoxy-1-iodohexane (0.46 g, 1.71 mol) was added neat. After stirring at room temperature for 72 hours, the reaction was quenched by the addition of water (75 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×35 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (2×35 ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to give (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(2-furylmethyl)-7-methylxanthine (0.49 g, 78% yield) as a colorless oil.

To a stirring solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(2-furylmethyl)-7-methylxanthine (0.42 g, 1.07 mmol) in methanol (20 ml) was added a solution of hydrogen chloride in 1,4-dioxane (4 M, 0.80 ml, 3.21 mmol) and the mixture was refluxed for 5 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (25 ml) and the mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (3×25 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (2×25 ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-3-(2-furylmethyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (0.30 g, 80% yield).

Example 6 Synthesis of (R)-8-Aminomethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-3-methylxanthine (CT12440)

To a stirring suspension of 3-methylxanthine (7.9 g 47.6 mmol) and sodium acetate (7.81 g, 95.2 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (120 ml) was added bromine (9.14 g, 57.1 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 65° C. for 2 hours. After cooling to room temperature the precipitate was filtered, washed with acetic acid (2×15 ml), water (3×50 ml) and dried under vacuum to give 8-bromo-3-methylxanthine (10.5 g, 90% yield) as a beige powder.

To a stirring suspension of 8-bromo-3-methylxanthine (7.06 g, 28.8 mmol) and potassium carbonate (3.98 g, 28.8 mmol) in DMF (150 ml) was added chloromethyl ethyl ether (2.72 g, 28.8 mmol). After stirring overnight at room temperature, the reaction mixture was poured into ice-cold water (650 ml). After stirring at 0-5° C. for 1 hour, the cloudy mixture was filtered, washed with water (3×15 ml) and dried under vacuum to provide 8-bromo-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (6.15 g, 70% yield) as a white solid.

To a stirring suspension of 8-bromo-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (1.52 g, 5.0 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (20 ml) was added sodium hydride (144 mg, 6.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min and then (R)-5-acetoxy-1-chlorohexane (983 mg, 5.5 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 70-75° C. After 12 hours, the mixture was cooled to room temperature, quenched with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (100 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×25 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (25 ml) and dried over magnesium sulfate. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the product was purified by flash chromatography over silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-bromo-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (1.83 g, 82% yield) as a beige solid.

To a solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-bromo-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (1.83 g, 4.11 mmol) and sodium iodide (123 mg, 0.82 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (40 ml) was added potassium cyanide (294 mg, 4.52 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 58 hours, the mixture was treated with water (200 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (4×25 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (25 ml) and then dried over magnesium sulfate. After the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, the product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:3) to provide (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-8-cyano-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (970 mg, 60% yield) as a pale yellow oil.

A suspension of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-cyano-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (750 mg, 1.92 mmol) and 10% palladium on carbon (250 mg) in glacial acetic acid (40 ml) was treated with hydrogen gas (80 psi) on a Parr shaker for 3 hours. The mixture was filter through a pad of celite and then the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to provide the acetic acid salt of (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-8-aminomethyl-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (800 mg, 91% yield) as a pale yellow oil.

To a stirring solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-aminomethyl-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine acetic acid salt (300 mg, 0.66 mmol) in ethanol (20 ml) was added an anhydrous solution of hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether (1M, 2.0 ml, 2.0 mmol). After heating at reflux overnight, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to provide the product as a pale yellow oil. Hexane (5.0 ml) was added. After stirring for 1 hour, the resulting precipitate was filtered to provide the hydrochloride salt of (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-aminomethyl-3-methylxanthine (150 mg, 69% yield) as a white powder.

Example 7 Synthesis of (R)-1-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-(N-methyl)aminomethylxanthine (CT12441)

To a stirring suspension of 8-bromo-3-methylxanthine (prepared as described for CT12440) (12.25 g, 50.0 mmol) and potassium carbonate (6.91 g, 50.0 mmol) in dimethylformamide (400 ml) was added benzyl bromide (9.24 g, 54.0 mmol). After stirring for 12 hours, the mixture was poured into cold water (680 ml). The precipitate was filtered, washed with water (3×50 ml), ether (3×50 ml) and dried under vacuum to provide 7-benzyl-8-bromo-3-methylxanthine (14.92 g, 89% yield) as a white powder.

To a stirring suspension of 7-benzyl-8-bromo-3-methylxanthine (10.06 g, 30.0 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide was added sodium hydride (864 mg, 36.0 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 30 min, (R)-5-acetoxy-1-chlorohexane (5.9 g, 33.0 mmol) was added. After stirring at 70-75° C. for 12 hours, the mixture was cooled to room temperature, quenched with water (600 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. The precipitate was filtered to provide (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-8-bromo-3-methylxanthine (12.31 g, 86% yield) as a beige powder.

To a solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-8-bromo-3-methylxanthine (9.55 g, 20.0 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide was added potassium cyanide (1.43 g, 22.0 mmol). After stirring at 70-80° C. for 4.5 hours, the mixture was cooled to room temperature, quenched with water (500 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (4×150 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (45 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:1) to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-8-cyano-3-methylxanthine (7.60 g, 90% yield) as a beige powder.

A suspension of (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-8-cyano-3-methylxanthine (850 mg, 2.0 mmol) and 10% Pd on carbon (300 mg) in glacial acetic acid (60 ml) was treated with hydrogen gas (80 psi) on a Parr shaker for 3 hours. After filtering through a pad of celite, the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to provide the acetic acid salt of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-aminomethyl-7-benzyl-3-methylxanthine.

To a stirring solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-aminomethyl-7-benzyl-3-methylxanthine in chloroform (30 ml) was added trifluoroacetic anhydride (1.0 g, 4.76 mmol). After stirring for 3 hours, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-8-N-trifluoroacetylaminomethyl-3-methyl-xanthine (1.0 g, 95% yield) as a white powder.

To the suspension of sodium hydride (36 mg, 1.5 mmol) in DMF (10 ml) was added (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-8-N-trifluoroacetylaminomethyl-3-methylxanthine (520 mg, 1.0 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 30 minutes, methyl iodide (1.0 ml) was added. After stirring at room temperature overnight, the mixture was poured into water (50 ml), extracted with ethyl acetate (3×20 ml) and dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure provided (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-8-N-methyl-N-trifluoroacetylaminomethyl-3-methylxanthine.

A suspension of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-8-N-methyl-N-trifluoroacetylaminomethyl-3-methylxanthine and 20% Pd(OH)₂ on carbon (300 mg) in glacial acetic acid (50 ml) was treated with hydrogen gas (82 psi) on a Parr shaker for 24 hours. After filtering through a pad of celite, the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-8-N-methyl-N-trifluoroacetylaminomethyl-3-methylxanthine (380 mg, 85% yield) as a white powder.

To a stirring solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-N-methyl-N-trifluoroacetylaminomethyl-3-methylxanthine (380 mg, 0.85 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) was added an anhydrous solution of hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether (1 M, 2.0 ml, 2.0 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 24 hours, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting oil was treated with methanol (22.5 ml), water (2.25 ml) and potassium carbonate (900 mg, 5.0 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with chloroform-methanol (1:1) to provide (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-(N-methyl)aminomethylxanthine (170 mg, 64% yield) as a colorless oil.

Example 8 Synthesis of (R)-1-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-methylaminoxanthine (CT12447)

8-Bromo-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (prepared as described for CT12440) (3.03 g, 10 mmol) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (264 mg, 11 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (60 ml). After stirring for 30 minutes, (R) 5-acetoxy-1-chlorohexane (1.963 g, 11 mmol) was added and the mixture was heated at 70-80° C. for 12 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction was quenched by the addition of water (150 ml) and extracted with 10% methanol-ethyl acetate (3×25 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×50 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (50 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 30% ethyl acetate-hexane to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-bromo-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (2.77 g).

A 40% aqueous solution of methylamine (10 ml) was added to a solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-bromo-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (0.450 g) in dimethylsulfoxide (20 ml). After heating at 70° C. for 6 hours, the mixture was treated with water (50 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×30 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 10% methanol-ethyl acetate to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methyl-8-methylaminoxanthine (0.32 g).

A solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methyl-8-methylaminoxanthine (0.32 g) in methanol (10 ml) was heated in presence of concentrated hydrochloric acid (2 drops) for 12 hours to 70° C. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in 20% methanol-ethyl acetate (50 ml). The solution was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (20 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 10% methanol-ethyl acetate to provide (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-methylaminoxanthine (0.100 g).

Example 9 Synthesis of (R)-1-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyluric Acid (CT12452)

To a stirring suspension of sodium hydride (5.52 g, 230 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (500 ml) was added 6-amino-1-methyluracil (28.2 g, 200 mmol). After stirring at room temperature under argon for 2 hours, (R)-5-Acetoxy-1-chlorohexane (37.5 g, 210 mmol) was added neat and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured into saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (1500 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (9×200 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×50 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (50 ml) and dried over magnesium sulfate. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the resulting oil was treated with ethyl ether (400 ml). After stirring overnight at room temperature, the precipitate was filtered and rinsed with ether (2×50 ml) to provide (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-1-methyluracil (44.0 g, 78% yield) as a beige powder.

To the stirring solution of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-1-methyluracil (1.13 g, 4.0 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (22.5 ml) and water (7.5 ml) at 65° C. was added sodium nitrite (345 mg, 5.0 mmol) in portions. The pink mixture was stirred at 65° C. for 1 hour and then cooled to 0-5° C. After filtration, the violet solid was washed with water (2×10 ml) and then suspended in water (20 ml) and heated at 65° C. while sodium hydrosulfite (2.78 g, 16.0 mmol) was added in portions. The pale yellow solution was stirred at 65° C. for an additional 1 hour, cooled to room temperature and extracted with chloroform (3×25 ml). The combined extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered to provide crude (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-5,6-diamino-1-methyluracil in chloroform. To this clear solution was added 1,1′-carbonylduimidazole (650 mg, 4.0 mmol). After stirring overnight at room temperature, the mixture was washed with water (2×25 ml), with 1 N aqueous hydrochloric acid (2×25 ml), with water (2×25 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (25 ml) and then dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure provided the crude product which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-methyluric acid (280 mg) as a beige solid which was dissolved in 20 ml of ethanol. To this solution was added hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether (1 M, 2.0 ml, 2.0 mmol). After refluxing overnight, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-methanol (7:1) to provide (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyluric acid (210 mg, 19% yield) as a beige solid.

Example 10 Synthesis of (R)-3-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-1,7,9-trimethyl-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (CT12458)

To a stirring solution of sulfuryl chloride in dichloromethane (1 M, 100 ml) was added propionaldehyde (7 ml, 97 mmol) over 30 seconds. After stirring for 1 hour, methanol (24 ml) was added over 5 minutes. Vigorous gas evolution and refluxing was observed during this addition. After stirring at room temperature for 150 minutes, dichloromethane (75 ml) was removed by distillation. The remaining mixture was treated with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (100 ml). The mixture was extracted with ether (100 ml). The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum to provide 2-chloropropionaldehyde dimethyl acetal (3.7 g, 27% yield).

To a mixture of water (3 ml), tetrahydrofuran (3 ml) and 2-chloropropionaldehyde dimethyl acetal (1.46 g, 10.5 mmol) was added concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.2 ml) and stirred at 80-90° C. for 25 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, sodium acetate (800 mg) was dissolved in the aqueous phase. An aliquot (1 ml) of the upper organic phase was transferred to a stirring mixture of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-1-methyluracil (prepared as described above for CT12452) (365 mg, 1.29 mmol), sodium acetate (500 mg) and water (6.5 ml) heated at 85° C. The mixture was heated at 85° C. for 40 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (2×15 ml). The combined extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1,9-dimethyl-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (180 mg, 43% yield) as a pink solid.

A mixture of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1,9-dimethyl-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (80 mg, 0.25 mmol), sodium hydride (15 mg, 0.62 mmol) and anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (2 ml) was stirred for 3 minutes and then methyl iodide (31 ul, 0.5 mmol) was added. After stirring for 2 hours, the reaction was quenched by addition of water (10 ml). The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (3×15 ml). The combined extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum to provide (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1,7,9-trimethyl-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (80 mg).

To a solution of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1,7,9-trimethyl-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (80 mg) in methanol (3 ml) was added hydrogen chloride in ether (1 M, 0.5 ml). After stirring at room temperature for 18 hours, the solution was treated with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate-sodium chloride solution (10 ml) and extracted with dichloromethane (3×10 ml). The combined extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 3% methanol-ethyl acetate to provide (R)-3-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-1,7,9-trimethyl-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (46 mg, 65% yield) as a white powder.

Example 11 Synthesis of (R)-1,9-dimethyl-3-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (CT12459)

To a stirring solution of sulfuryl chloride in dichloromethane (1 M, 100 ml) was added propionaldehyde (7 ml, 97 mmol) over 30 seconds. After stirring for 1 hour, methanol (24 ml) was added over 5 minutes. Vigorous gas evolution and refluxing was observed during this addition. After stirring at room temperature for 150 minutes, dichloromethane (75 ml) was removed by distillation. The remaining mixture was treated with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (100 ml). The mixture was extracted with ether (100 ml). The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum to provide 2-chloropropionaldehyde dimethyl acetal (3.7 g, 27% yield).

To a mixture of water (3 ml), tetrahydrofuran (3 ml) and 2-chloropropionaldehyde dimethyl acetal (1.46 g, 10.5 mmol) was added concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.2 ml) and stirred at 80-90° C. for 25 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, sodium acetate (800 mg) was dissolved in the aqueous phase. An aliquot (1 ml) of the upper organic phase was transferred to a stirring mixture of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-1-methyluracil (prepared as described for CT12452) (365 mg, 1.29 mmol), sodium acetate (500 mg) and water (6.5 ml) heated at 85° C. The mixture was heated at 85° C. for 40 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (2×15 ml). The combined extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1,9-dimethyl-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (180 mg, 43% yield) as a pink solid.

To a solution of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1,9-dimethyl-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (90 mg, 0.28 mmol) in methanol (3 ml) was added hydrogen chloride in ether (1 M, 0.5 ml). After stirring at room temperature for 18 hours, the solution was treated with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate-sodium chloride solution (10 ml) and extracted with dichloromethane (3×10 ml). The combined extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 5% methanol-dichloromethane to provide (R)-1,9-dimethyl-3-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-2,4-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidinedione (50 mg, 64% yield) as a white solid.

Example 12 Synthesis of (R)-3-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-1-methyl-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo [3,4]pyrimidine-2,4-dione (CT12461)

To a stirring suspension of 5,6-diamino-1-methyluracil (718 mg, 4.6 mmol) (which was prepared as described above for CT 12407) and pyridine (3.0 ml) in acetonitrile (10 ml) was added thionyl chloride in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 15 min. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured into 1 N aqueous HCl solution (80 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (5×15 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (15 ml) and dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure provided 1-methyl-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,4-dione (480 mg, 57% yield) as a light brown solid.

To a stirring suspension of 1-methyl-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,4-dione (184 mg, 1.0 mmol) and potassium carbonate (173 mg, 1.25 mmol) in DMF (7.5 ml) was added (R)-5-acetoxhexyl-1-chlorohexane (205 mg, 1.15 mmol) and stirred at 80° C. for 18 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (15 ml) and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×8 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (5 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (5 ml) and dried over magnesium sulfate. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:1) to provide (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1-methyl-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4]pyrimidine-2,4-dione (120 mg, 37% yield) as an oil.

To a stirring solution of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-1-methyl-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4]pyrimidine-2,4-dione (60 mg, 0.184 mmol) in methanol was added an anhydrous solution of hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether (1 M, 1.0 ml, 1.0 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-3-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-1-methyl-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4]pyrimidine-2,4-dione (CT12461) (38 mg, 73% yield) as an oil.

Example 13 Synthesis of (R)-1-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-azaxanthine (CT12463)

To the stirring solution of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-1-methyluracil (prepared as described above for CT12452) (567 mg, 2.0 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (12.5 ml) and water (2.5 ml) at 65° C. was added sodium nitrite (276 mg, 4.0 mmol) in portions. After stirring at 65° C. for 1 hour, the mixture was cooled to 0-5° and the precipitate was filtered. The violet solid was washed with water (2×10 ml) and then suspended in water (20 ml). The mixture was heated at 65° C. while sodium hydrosulfite was added in portions. After stirring at 65° C. for additional 20 minutes, the solution was treated with glacial acetic acid (15 ml) followed by sodium nitrite (828 mg, 12.0 mmol) in portions. After stirring at 65° C. for an additional 25 min the mixture was cooled to room temperature and then extracted with ethyl acetate (3×25 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (15 ml) and dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure provided (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-azaxanthine (400 mg, 65% yield) as an oil.

To a stirring solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-azaxanthine (150 mg, 0.49 mmol) in methanol (25 ml) was added an anhydrous solution of hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether (1 M, 1.0 ml, 1.0 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 24 hours, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-methanol (7:1) to provide (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-azaxanthine (CT12463) (70 mg, 54 mmol) as a white solid.

Example 14 Synthesis of (R)-3,7-Dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (CT12464) and (R)-3,8-Dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (CT12465)

To a suspension of sodium hydride (22 mg, 0.91 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (4.0 ml) was added (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-azaxanthine (225 mg, 0.728 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 30 min, the mixture was treated with methyl iodide (524 mg, 3.64 mmol). After stirring at room temperature overnight, the reaction was quenched by addition of saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (20 ml) and then extracted with ethyl acetate (3×15 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (10 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (10 ml) and dried over magnesium sulfate. TLC showed that there were two products in this mixture. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude products were purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:1) to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3,7-dimethyl-8-azaxanthine (74 mg, 31% yield) followed by (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3,8-dimethyl-8-azaxanthine (66 mg, 28% yield).

To a solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3,7-dimethyl-8-azaxanthine (71 mg, 0.22 mmol) in methanol (15 ml) was added an anhydrous solution of hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether (1 M, 1.0 ml, 1.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours and then the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-methanol (7:1) to provide (R)-3,7-dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (CT 12464) (55 mg, 88% yield) as a white solid.

To a solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3,8-dimethyl-8-azaxanthine (66 mg, 0.204 mmol) in methanol (15 ml) was added an anhydrous solution of hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether (1 M, 1.0 ml, 1.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours and then the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-methanol (7:1) to provide (R)-3,8-dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (37 mg, 65% yield) as a white solid.

Example 15 Synthesis of (R)-3,7-Dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-N-methylaminoxanthine (CT12481)

To a stirring suspension of 8-bromo-3-methylxanthine (prepared as described above for CT12440) (12.25 g, 50.0 mmol) and potassium carbonate (8.62 g, 62.5 mmol) in dimethylformamide (150 ml) was added methyl iodide (7.81 g, 55.0 mmol). After stirring overnight at room temperature, the mixture was poured into ice cold water (400 ml) and stirred at 0-5° C. for 1 hour. The precipitate was filtered, rinsed with water (5×25 ml) and dried under vacuum to provide 8-bromo-3,7-dimethylxanthine (12.10 g, 93% yield) as a beige solid.

To a stirring suspension of sodium hydride (740 mg, 30.8 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (120 ml) was added 8-bromo-3,7-dimethylxanthine (6.5 g, 25.0 mmol). After stirring at room temperature under argon for 1.5 hours, (R)-5-acetoxyhexyl-1-chlorohexane (4.91 g, 27.5 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 18 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was quenched by addition of saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (300 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×20 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (20 ml) and dried over magnesium sulfate. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:1) to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-bromo-3,7-dimethylxanthine (7.38 g, 74% yield) as a colorless oil.

To a solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-bromo-3,7-dimethylxanthine (5.88 g, 14.7 mmol) in methanol (200 ml) was added a solution of hydrogen chloride in ether (1.0 M, 20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure provided (R)-8-bromo-3,7-dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)xanthine (4.8 g, 91% yield) as a white solid.

(R)-8-Bromo-3,7-dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)xanthine (359 mg, 1.0 mmol) was combined with a solution of methylamine in THF (2.0 M, 8.0 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 7 days. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-methanol (4:1) to provide (R)-3,7-dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-N-methylaminoxanthine (258 mg, 83% yield) as a white solid.

Example 16 Synthesis of (R)-3,7-Dimethyl-8-N,N-dimethylamino-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-xanthine (CT12485)

(R)-8-Bromo-3,7-dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)xanthine (prepared as described above for CT12481) (180 mg, 0.50 mmol) was combined with a solution of dimethylamine in tetrahydrofuran (2.0 M, 10.0 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 3 days. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-methanol (4:1) to provide (R)-3,7-dimethyl-8-N,N-dimethylamino-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-xanthine (78 mg, 48% yield) as a white solid.

Example 17 Synthesis of (R)-1-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-methylsulfanylxanthine (CT12490)

To a stirring solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-8-bromo-7-ethoxymethyl-3-methylxanthine (prepared as described above for CT12440) (1.77 g, 4.0 mmol) in ethanol (100 ml) was added sodium sulfide (4.48 g, 80 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 90° C. for 1 hour. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-methanol (7:1) to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-ethoxymethyl-8-mercapto-3-methylxanthine. This product was dissolved in methanol (100 ml). A solution of hydrogen chloride in ether (1.0 M, 1.0 ml) was added and stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-methanol (4:1) to provide (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-ethoxymethyl-8-mercapto-3-methylxanthine (610 mg, 51% yield) as a white solid.

To a stirring suspension of (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-ethoxymethyl-8-mercapto-3-methylxanthine (62.0 mg, 0.174 mmol) and potassium carbonate (42 mg, 0.30 mmol) in acetonitrile (3.4 ml) was added methyl iodide (44 mg, 0.3 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (3:1) to provide (R)-7-ethoxymethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-methylsulfanylxanthine (58 mg, 89% yield) as a white solid.

To a solution of (R)-7-ethoxymethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-methylsulfanylxanthine (20 mg, 0.054 mmol) in ethanol (1.9 ml) was added concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.10 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 24 hours. After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-methanol (7:1) to provide (R)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-3-methyl-8-methylsulfanylxanthine (12 mg, 70% yield) as a white solid.

Example 18 Synthesis of (S)-1-(5-Hydroxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-3-methylxanthine (CT22404)

A 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (10 ml) was added to a suspension of 3-methylxanthine (4.15 g) in methanol (25 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 70° C. Benzyl bromide (4.275 g, 2.97 ml) was added dropwise at 70° C. and the mixture was stirred at 70-80° C. for an additional 5 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was treated with water (50 ml). The precipitate was filtered, dissolved in 1 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (50 ml) and the solution was acidified to pH 4-5 with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The precipitate was filtered and washed with water (3×20 ml) to provide 7-benzyl-3-methylxanthine (4.45 g).

To a stirring suspension of 7-benzyl-3-methylxanthine (0.512 g, 2 mmol) in dimethyl sulfoxide (10 ml) was added 95% sodium hydride (50.5 mg, 2.0 mmol) in one portion. After stirring for 30 minutes, (S)-5-acetoxy-1-bromohexane (0.490 g, 2.2 mmol) was added neat. After stirring at room temperature for 12 hours, the reaction was quenched by addition of water (50 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (50 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (50 ml) and dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure gave a residue which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to give (S)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-3-methylxanthine (0.700 g).

A solution of (S)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-3-methylxanthine (350 mg) in methanol (10 ml) was treated with 1 M hydrogen chloride in ether (5 ml). After stirring at room temperature for 12 hours, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (100 ml). The solution was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (30 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give (S)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-benzyl-3-methylxanthine (270 mg).

Example 19 Synthesis of (S)-3,7-Dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (CT22464) and (S)-3,8-Dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (CT22465)

(S)-3,7-Dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (CT22464) and (S)-3,8-dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (CT22465) were synthesized according to the methods described for (R)-3,7-dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (CT 12464) and for (R)-3,8-dimethyl-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-8-azaxanthine (CT 12465) but using (S)-5-acetoxy-4-chlorohexane in place of (R)-5-acetoxy-1-chlorohexane.

Example 20 Synthesis of (R)-3-(N-biotinyl-6-aminohexyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT12460)

a) N-t-BOC-6-amino-1-bromohexane was first prepared by adding di-tert-butyldicarbonate (3.675 g, 16.4 mmol) to a solution of 6-aminohexan-1-ol (1.6 g, 13.66 mmol) in 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (40 ml). After stirring for 4 hours, the mixture was treated with water (150 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (4×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×50 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by a flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 20% methanol/dichloromethane to provide N-t-BOC-6-amino-hexan-1-ol (2.4 g).

A solution of bromine (1.60 g, 10 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was added to a solution of triphenyl phosphine (2.62 g, 10 mmol) and triethylamine (1.01 g, 10 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 ml) at 0° C. After stirring at 0° C. for 30 minutes, a solution of N-t-BOC-6-amino-hexan-1-ol (2.4 g) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was added dropwise. After stirring for 2 hours, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 20% ethyl acetate/hexane to provide N-t-BOC-6-amino-1-bromohexane (2.5 g).

b) Then, (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine was prepared by heating a mixture of N-benzylurea (100 g), cyanoacetic acid (62.37 g) and acetic anhydride (210 ml) at 70-80° C. for 2 hours. Upon cooling, crystals of open chain cyanoacetyl derivative began to precipitate. The mixture was stirred with ether (500 ml) and then cooled in an ice-water bath for 2 hours. The precipitate was filtered, washed with ether and dried in air. This solid was suspended in a mixture of water (200 ml) and ethanol (100 ml). The mixture was heated at 85° C. while 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (50 ml) was gradually added. The cyanoacetyl derivative dissolved completely and a new solid precipitated gradually. The mixture was heated at 85° C. for 30 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was made slightly acidic by addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid solution. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried in air to provide 6-amino-1-benzyluracil (117 g).

6-Amino-1-benzyl-5-bromouracil. A solution of bromine (33.17 ml) in acetic acid (300 ml) was added slowly to a solution of 6-amino-1-benzyluracil and anhydrous sodium acetate (93.29 g) in acetic acid (300 ml) and stirred for 6 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled in ice-cold water. The precipitate was filtered and dried under vacuum to provide 6-amino-1-benzyl-5-bromouracil (134.0 g).

6-Amino-1-benzyl-5-bromouracil (134 g) was stirred with 40% aqueous methylamine solution (750 ml) for 24 hours. After cooling to 5° C., the precipitate was filtered and dried under suction to provide 6-amino-1-benzyl-5-methylaminouracil (55 g).

6-Amino-1-benzyl-5-methylaminouracil (11 g, 43 mmol) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (1.032 mg, 43 mmol) in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (75 ml). After stirring for 30 minutes, (R)-5-acetoxy-1-chlorohexane (7.675 g, 43 mmol) was added. The mixture was heated at 70-80° C. for 12 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction was quenched by the addition of water (150 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×125 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×50 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (50 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-1-benzyl-5-methylaminouracil (7.89 g).

A mixture of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-1-benzyl-5-methylaminouracil (7.89 g) and formic acid (200 ml) was heated at reflux for 1 hour. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-1-benzyl-5-N-methylformamidouracil that was used in the next step without further purification.

To a solution of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-1-benzyl-5-N-methylformamidouracil, ethanol (125 ml), water (125 ml) and 30% aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution (30 ml) was added 10% palladium on carbon (3.5 g) and hydrogenated at 70 psi for 12 hours. The mixture was filtered through a pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to provide (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-5-N-methylformamidouracil (7.1 g).

p-Toluenesulfonic acid (1 g) was added to a solution of (R)-3-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-6-amino-5-N-methylformamidouracil (7.1 g) in formamide (150 ml) and the mixture was heated at reflux for 3 hours. After evaporation of the formamide, the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 10% methanol-dichloromethane to provide (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (3.8 g).

c) The (R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (1.285 g, 4.2 mmol) was then added to a suspension of sodium hydride (120 mg, 4.2 mmol) in anhydrous DMSO (15 ml). After stirring for 30 minutes, the N-t-BOC-6-amino-1-bromohexane (1.21 g, 4 mmol) was added and stirred. After stirring for 12 hours, the reaction was quenched by the addition of water (45 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×35 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×25 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (25 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-6-aminohexyl)-7-methylxanthine (1.37 g).

Trifluoroacetic acid (30 ml) was added to a solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(N-t-butyloxycarbonyl-6-aminohexyl)-7-methylxanthine (1.37 g) in dichloromethane (30 ml). After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (50 ml). The solution was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (20 ml), with water (20 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (20 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(6-aminohexyl)-7-methylxanthine (1.073 g).

Disopropylcarbodiimide (113.5 mg, 0.55 mmol) was added to a solution of biotin (122 mg, 0.5 mmol), (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(6-aminohexyl)-7-methylxanthine (227 mg, 0.5 mmol) and 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (73.3 mg, 0.6 mmol) in dimethylformamide. After stirring at room temperature for 6 hours, dimethylformamide was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 20% methanol/ethyl acetate to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(N-biotinyl-6-aminohexyl)-7-methylxanthine (110 mg).

A solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(N-biotinyl-6-aminohexyl)-7-methylxanthine (110 mg) in methanol (10 ml) was treated with one drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid solution. After stirring at room temperature for 14 hours, the mixture was treated with 2M solution of ammonia in methanol (3 ml) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 20% methanol/dichloromethane to provide (R)-3-(N-biotinyl-6-aminohexyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT12460) (66 mg).

Example 21 Synthesis of (R)-3-(N-biotinyl-2-aminoethyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT13410)

(R)-3-(N-Biotinyl-2-aminoethyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT13410) was prepared according to the method described above for (R)-3-(N-biotinyl-6-aminohexyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT 12460) but using (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(2-aminoethyl)-7-methylxanthine in place of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(6-aminohexyl)-7-methylxanthine. The (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(2-aminoethyl)-7-methylxanthine was prepared according to the following procedure.

Di-tert-butyldicarbonate (10.912 g, 50 mmol) was added to a solution of ethanolamine (3.054 g, 50 mmol) in 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (40 ml) and stirred for 4 hours. The mixture was treated with water (150 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (4×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×50 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide N-t-BOC-ethanolamine (6.8 g).

Triphenylphosphine (11.54 g) was added in portions to a solution of carbon tetrabromide (14.6 g) and N-t-BOC-ethanolamine (6.44 g) in dichloromethane (300 ml). After stirring for 4 hours, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to half its volume, diluted with hexane and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under vacuum and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with hexane to provide N-t-BOC-2-amino-1-bromoethane (4.6 g).

(R)-1-(5-Acetoxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (1.848 g, 6 mmol) (prepared as described for CT12460) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (144 mg, 6 mmol) in anhydrous DMSO (15 ml). After stirring for 30 minutes, N-t-BOC-2-amino-1-bromoethane (1.344 g, 6 mmol) was added. After stirring for 12 hours, the reaction was quenched by the addition of water (45 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×35 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×25 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (25 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(N-t-BOC-2-aminoethyl)-7-methylxanthine (1.08 g).

Trifluoroacetic acid (30 ml) was added to a solution of (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(N-t-BOC-2-aminoethyl)-7-methylxanthine (1.08 g) in dichloromethane (30 ml). After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (50 ml). The solution was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (20 ml), with water (20 ml), with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (20 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide (R)-1-(5-acetoxyhexyl)-3-(2-aminoethyl)-7-methylxanthine (0.72 g).

Example 22 Effect on W12 Signaling

This example illustrates the inventive compounds' ability to suppress Th1 differentiation in vitro by blocking IL-12 signaling. Each of compounds A through Y were tested in an IL-12 dependent in vitro T-helper cell differentiation assay as described in LeGross et al., J Esp. Med. 172:921-929 (1990). Recombinant IL-12 was used to induce Th1 differentiation. Splenic T cells were purified utilizing the antibodies RA3-3Al/6.1 (anti-B220), J11d and MAR18.5 (anti-rat kappa chain) to deplete the B cells via complement mediated toxicity following the procedure set forth in Klaus et al., J. Immunol., 149:1867-1875 (1992). Splenic T cells were stimulated at 5×10⁵/ml with insoluble anti-CD3 alone (145-2C11, Pharmingen, San Diego, Calif.), or anti-CD3 and 5 U/ml IL-12, with and without each inventive compound. After seven days, equal numbers of viable cells were restimulated for 24 hours with anti-CD3 without the inventive compounds, and the supernatants were collected and assayed for IFN-γ production. IFN-γ and IL-4 levels were measured by Intertest kits from Genzyme specific for IFN-γ and IL-4. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

Th1 differentiation was induced by culturing anti-CD3 stimulated T cells in the presence of exogenous IL-12. Under these conditions, Th1 differentiation was consistently enhanced as compared to T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 alone. It was observed that the presence of the tested compounds during T cell activation inhibited Th1 differentiation, which had been enhanced by the addition of exogenous IL-12. The values in the “IC₅₀ μM” column were determined by measuring the inhibition of IL-12 induced Th1 differentiation as defined by IFN-γ production upon secondary stimulation with anti-CD3 alone. None of the compounds affected the viability or recovery of T cells after one week of culture TABLE 2 EX. CMPD NO. STRUCTURE [IC₅₀; μM] A CT7549

21 B CT11495

35 C CT11499

30 D CT12404

28 E CT12407

30 F CT12422

19 G CT12440

9 H CT12441

19 I CT12447

25 J CT12452

35 K CT12458

27 L CT12459

17 M CT12461

17 N CT12463

31 O CT12464

12 P CT12465

15 Q CT12481

24.7 R CT12485

10 S CT12490

20 T CT17556

23.8 U CT17557

9 V CT22404

10 W CT22464

30 X CT22465

14 Y CT14577

47 Z CT12460

21.8

Example 23 Effect on IFN-γ Production Induced by IL-12

The ability of IL-12 to induce generation of Th1 cells is aided by IFN-γ, a cytokine which is known to be induced by IL-12 itself. (R)-3-(N-biotinyl-6-aminohexyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT12460) and (R)-3-(N-biotinyl-2-aminoethyl)-1-(5-hydroxyhexyl)-7-methylxanthine (CT13410) were tested in an interferon gamma (IFN-γ) induction assay as described in Kobayashi, M., et al., “Identification and Purification of Natural Killer Cell Stimulatory Factor (NKSF), A Cytokine with Multiple Biologic Effects on Human Lymphocytes,” J. Exp. Med. U, 170:827-845 (at 829, 830 and 836) (1989). See also, Wolf, S., et al., “Interleukin 12: A Key Modulator of Immune Function,” Stem Cells, 12:154-168 (1994) and Trinchieri, supra. FIG. 1 shows that when CT 12460 and CT13410 were added to a culture of a splenocytes, IL-12 induced IFN-γ secretion was inhibited. Thus, the data shows that CT12460 and CT13410 are both effective inhibitors of IL-12 signaling in vitro.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention specifically described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the following claims. 

1. A therapeutic compound, including resolved enantiomers, diastereomers, tautomers, salts and solvates thereof, having the following formula:

wherein: X, Y and Z are independently selected from a member of the group consisting of C(R₃), N,N(R₃) and S; the

in Formula I represents a single or double bond; R₁ is selected from a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkenyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkynyl, C₍₃₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₅₋₉₎alkoxyalkyl, the R₁ being optionally substituted; R₂ and R₃ are independently selected from a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, oxo, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎thioalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamino, C₍₁₋₂₀₎)alkylaminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkoxyalkenyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎aminoalkoxyalkynyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎diaminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎triaminoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎tetraminoalkyl, C₍₅₋₁₅₎aminotrialkoxyamino, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamido, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkylamidoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎amidoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎acetamidoalkyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkenyl, C₍₁₋₂₀₎alkynyl, C₍₃₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₁₋₁₁₎alkoxyalkyl, and C₍₁₋₂₀₎dialkoxyalkyl.
 2. The therapeutic compound of claim 1, wherein R₁ is substituted with a member of the group consisting of N—OH, cyano group, sulfo, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, sulfhydryl (mercapto), sulfeno, sulfanilyl, sulfamyl, sulfamino, and phosphino, phosphinyl, phospho, and phosphono.
 3. The therapeutic compound of claim 1, wherein R₂ and R₃ are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, oxo, isopropyl, n-propyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxy-n-butyl, 2methoxyethyl, 4-methoxy-n-butyl, 5-hydroxyhexyl, 2-bromopropyl, 3-dimethylaminobutyl, 4-chloropentyl, methylamino, aminomethyl, and methylphenyl.
 4. The therapeutic compound of claim 1, wherein each R₂ and R₃ is substituted with one or more members of the group consisting of hydroxyl, methyl, carboxyl, furyl, furfuryl, biotinyl, phenyl, naphthyl, amino group, amido group, carbamoyl group, cyano group, sulfo, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, sulfhydryl, sulfeno, sulfanilyl, sulfamyl, sulfamino, phosphino, phosphinyl, phospho, phosphono, N—OH, —Si(CH₃)₃, C₍₁₋₃₎alkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎hydroxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎thioalkyl, C₍₁₋₃₎alkylamino, benzyldihydrocinnamoyl group, benzoyldihydrocinnamido group, optionally substituted heterocyclic group and optionally substituted carbocyclic group.
 5. The therapeutic compound of claim 4, wherein the heterocyclic group or carbocyclic group is substituted with one or more members of the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, nitro, SO₂NH₂, C₍₁₋₆₎alkyl, C₍₁₋₆₎haloalkyl, C₍₁₋₈₎alkoxyl, C₍₁₋₁₁₎alkoxyalkyl, C₍₁₋₆₎alkylamino, and C₍₁₋₆₎aminoalkyl.
 6. The therapeutic compound of claim 4, wherein the heterocyclic group is a member selected from the group consisting of acridinyl, aziridinyl, azocinyl, azepinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzodioxolanyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, carbazole, 4a H-carbazole, chromanyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, dioxoindolyl, furazanyl, furyl, furfuryl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl, indolenyl, indolinyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, 3H-indolyl, isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoindolinyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, morpholinyl, naphthalenyl, naphthyridinyl, norbornanyl, norpinanyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxiranyl, perimidinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenarsazinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxathiinyl, phenoxazinyl, phenyl, phthalazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, 4-piperidonyl, piperidyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrenyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyridyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidonyl, pyrrolonyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinuclidinyl, β-carbolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrazolyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl, 2H-,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, thiophenyl, triazinyl, xanthenyl and xanthinyl.
 7. The therapeutic compound of claim 4, wherein the carbocyclic group is a member selected from the group consisting of adamantyl, anthracenyl, benzamidyl, benzyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]hexanyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octanyl, bicyclo[3.2.0]heptanyl, bicyclo[4.3.0]nonanyl, bicyclo[4.4.0]decanyl, biphenyl, biscyclooctyl, cyclobutyl, cyclobutenyl, cycloheptyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclohexanedionyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctanyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclopentanedionyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopropyl, decalinyl, 1,2-diphenylethanyl, indanyl, 1-indanonyl, indenyl, naphthyl, napthlalenyl, phenyl, resorcinolyl, stilbenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, tetralinyl, tetralonyl, and tricyclododecanyl. 8-9. (CANCELED)
 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle.
 11. A method for inhibiting a cellular process or activity mediated by IL-12, the method comprising: (a) contacting IL-12 responsive cells with a compound as defined in claim 1; and (b) determining that the cellular process or activity mediated by IL-12 is inhibited.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein step (a) is carried out in vitro.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said cellular process is the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th1 cells.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein said activity is the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said cytokines are secreted by Th1 cells.
 16. A method for treating a Th1 cell-mediated inflammatory response in a mammal in need of such treatment, the method comprising: administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of the compound defined in claim 1, wherein said compound is capable of inhibiting an IL-12 mediated cellular process or activity, thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the inflammatory response is associated with a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of chronic inflammatory disease, chronic intestinal inflammation, arthritis, psoriasis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the inflammatory response is associated with an autoimmune disorder.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said autoimmune disorder is selected from type-i IDDM, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus disorders, and acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein said mammal is a human. 